Dehradun: It is being circulated by some people on the social media that the Uttarakhand government is charging for helicopter services from the disaster affected people in Pithoragarh. This is to clarify in this regard that the said news is completely misleading. In view of the possibility of heavy rains and on the instructions of the Chief Minister Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat to safeguard the people trapped in the disaster, arrangements have been made for one helicopter each in Garhwal and Kumaon.
Given the high sensitivity of Pithoragarh, it was decided to station the helicopter there. Also, clear instructions have been given to Heli Transport Company that no rent will be taken from people trapped in the disaster and local citizens. When the helicopter is not needed for disaster relief, only at that time it can be used for taking travelers (who are not disaster affected) from Dharchula to Gunji and for this the fare of Rs 2500 & GST can be charged from the passengers. This fare has been fixed only for non-rescue flights. But helicopter will not be used for ordinary passengers, if needed for disaster rescue operations. No rent will be taken for safely rescuing local people trapped in the disaster.
