In Kedarnath, Rahul prays for flood victims

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 24

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi today trekked to the revered Kedarnath shrine and said he was here to pay his respects to the victims of the 2013 floods and did not ask for anything.

Addressing mediapersons after witnessing the opening of portals of the shrine, Rahul said he felt a “fire-like” energy after entering the temple. He also lauded the efforts of the Uttarakhand Government in ensuring speedy rehabilitation after the flash floods hit the region in 2013. “It is sheer hard work of the state government and its officials that speedy restoration of the disaster-torn Kedarnath could take place,” he said.

Rahul also appreciated several helipads in the state, which he said could be helpful in evacuation process in case of emergencies. He said other Himalayan states in the country should also come up with such helipads.

Uttarakhand Governor KK Paul and Chief Minister Harish Rawat also attended the opening of portals of the Central Himalayan Hindu Shrine of Kedarnath in the presence of priests led by head priest Bhima Shankar Rawal.