Apropos the editorial "After the deluge" (June 25), the immediate task for authorities in Uttarakhand should be the evacuation of approximately 80,000 people trapped at various locations. Why are the other states sending their officials and dignitaries to the flood-hit state ostensibly to provide relief? These well-meaning politicians and officials must realise that their visit will, in fact, impede rescue operations and do more harm than good. Various state governments have exhibited their parochialism by sending officials to assist people from their own states. Basic rescue work is done by the defence and other paramilitary forces. And they perform their duty without any discrimination. At best, the state governments and non-governmental organisations should rush relief materials as well as set up base camps at Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun.
M M Gurbaxani Bangalore
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