177 evacuees from UAE reach Chandigarh

Tribune News Service

Mohali, July 22

Twenty third evacuation flight from the UAE, under the Vande Bharat Mission of the Centre, arrived at the Chandigarh international airport with 177 stranded Indian passengers today.

The SpiceJet flight No. SG 9302 reached the airport at 2.34 pm.

All repatriated persons, who mostly belong to different parts of Punjab, Haryana and nearby states, will reach their districts under the supervision of the respective state government representatives. Processing of passengers went smooth at the airport with efforts of all authorities/agencies involved — Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh governments, CISF, immigration, customs and the Punjab Police.

The Health Department spokesman said during the screening of passengers, health officials took precautions and passengers maintained social distance.

He said no passenger was suffering from fever, cough and cold. He said all passengers were impressed upon by the Health Department teams deployed at the airport to take precautions such as cover their face with a mask, use hand sanitisers, washing hands and observe social distancing guidelines.

‘Serving humanity sole purpose’

SP Singh Oberoi, Managing Trustee, Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust, who was looking after the return of Indians stranded in Dubai, said he would continue to work for the welfare of humanity. He said four chartered planes had already been hired to help return those stuck in Dubai. However, four more planes would be hired next month. “We have segregated the returnees in various categories. Some people have purchased tickets from their own pockets, some contributed a little and others were sponsored by us. I contribute 98 per cent of my income for the welfare of humanity. I have kept a total of budget of Rs20 crore in fight against Covid-19 and I am ready to contribute more whenever needed,” said Oberoi.