Nature's fury slammed the hills in full force. Unsuspecting tourists and pilgrims visiting the Lord's abode in the Himalayan state were swept off their feet by a rampaging Yamuna.
Even as relief and rescue operations continue on a war footing, the toll on life and livelihood is yet to be taken stock of.
Some say, the number of those dead may touch a thousand. Others pray that one of their beloved is not among them.
India is no stranger to such disasters.
UTTARAKHAND TRAGEDY
CONFEDERATION APPEALS TO ALL CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES TO DONATE ONE DAY WAGES TO PRIME MINISTER’S RELIEF FUND
Excessive and unexpected rainfall resulting in furious floods has
battered beyond measure, the Himalayan hill state of Uttarakhand. Whole
villages, stretches of roads and communication links have been
affected. More than 1000 persons met with tragic death. Thousands,
including those from other parts of the country who were undertaking
pilgrimages to religiously significant temples in the region, remain
stranded. Hundreds of houses and buildings along the banks of
Alakananda and the Bhagirathi has been swept away in Rudraprayag
district alone. Thousands have become homeless.
As the magnitude of the tragedy caused in Uttarakhand continues to
unfold, Prime Minister Sri. Manmohan Singh has issued an appeal for
generous donations to support the victims who have suffered extensive
devastation. Prime Minister appealed that - “At this moment, the
affected people need our help to tide over the calamity that has fallen
upon them, to survive and to rebuild their lives. I request all
citizens of India to stand with our distressed fellow countrymen, and
actively participate in the national effort to support them at this
difficult time”.
It is needless to say that the Central Govt. Employees have an urgent
and important role to play in helping the flood victims and we shall
have to rise upto the occasion, as in the past when such national
calamities occurred. The National Secretariat of the Confederation of
Central Govt. Employees & Workers calls upon the entireity of
Central Govt. Employees to donate one day’s salary to the Prime Minister
Relief Fund and extend our full support to the flood victims to rebuild
their lives.
All the Affiliates of the Confederation, State Committees (C-O-Cs) and
CHQ Office bearers are requested to make maximum efforts to collect and
remit the donations to Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.
(M. Krishnan)
Secretary General, Confederation