Stranded Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand residents sent back to their native places

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 4

A total of 2,666 persons from Uttarakhand and 1,239 from Himachal Pradesh, who were stranded in Chandigarh due to the Covid-19 outbreak, were sent back to their homes today.

The UT police coordinated the entire operation by ensuring that people departing from Chandigarh maintain social distancing and travel back home safely without getting infected to Covid-19.

UT SSP Nilambari Jagdale said: “A large number of persons had registered themselves to return to their native places. Keeping in view the huge number, ensuring their safe departure was our responsibility”.

“Police teams on ground were instructed to enforce social distancing among people at 11 pick-up points,” the SSP said.

The police said a total of 1,239 HP residents were sent in 49 buses, which included 662 to Mandi, 365 to Bilaspur, 191 to Kullu and 61 to Lahaul and Spiti.

Meanwhile, 2,666 Uttarakhand residents were sent back to their native places in 85 buses. The pick-up points included Rally Ground, Sector 25, Plaza, Sector 17, Sector 28 ground, Community Centre, Vikas Nagar, Mauli Jagran, Shivalik Garden, Mani Majra, near Infosys Building, Sector 34 fair ground, ISBT, Sector 43, and Sector 40.

The UT police also liased with the Chandigarh Administration, Himachal Bhawan authorities and the Uttarakhand Police.

The police said 550 Uttarakhand residents were in process of leaving for home districts.