Bahuguna calls for collective effort to rebuild U'khand

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna today called for a collective effort to rebuild disaster-hit Uttarakhand and praised the people of the state who not only braved the June calamity but also offered help in rescuing others stranded in high altitude areas in the wake of the tragedy.
Unfurling the tricolour at the Parade Ground here on the occasion of Independence Day today, Bahuguna said considering the massive damage caused to different parts of the state in the June flashfloods, a collective endeavour is needed to rebuild a new Uttarakhand.
Reiterating his government's commitment to dedicated service of the people of the state in this hour of crisis, the chief minister said the extensive damage suffered by the state in the wake of the calamity calls for a collective effort by all sections of society to help the state recover from the after effects of the tragedy.

He also said he was proud of the people of the state for the resilience they displayed in the face of one of the worst tragedies in its history and helped rescue people from different parts of the country stranded in inaccessible remote areas forgetting their own private woes.
Governor Aziz Qureshi also hoisted the national flag at the Raj Bhawan in a simple ceremony to mark the occasion.
"On this great occasion, I express gratitude and homage towards all the freedom fighters, besides the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi, for their sacrifice, dedication and struggle which resulted in a leadership that gave us the glory of being citizens of a free country," he said in his message to the people of the state.

He also said it is the foremost duty of each individual in the disaster-hit state to contribute his bit towards helping

Uttarakhand emerge from the effects of the tragedy.
"Today, our state is suffering the aftermath of a huge natural calamity. It is the responsibility of each one of us to wipe the tears of all those who have been affected by the disaster," Qureshi said.
He expressed confidence that the collective effort of people will soon succeed in restoring the natural splendour of rain-ravaged Uttarakhand.
"Come, let us celebrate the anniversary of our independence by paying tribute to those who work selflessly to help troubled people, those who stand at our borders to protect our lives and those who are making the poor, underprivileged and women in the country aware of the important role they can play in nation building," the Governor said.