Taking cognizance of media reports about road closure due to landslide and suspension of Char Dham yatra due to weather alert, the Union Cabinet Secretary, Ajeet Sethi, reviewed the condition of Uttarakhand through video conferencing on Thursday. During the meeting, the State Government has sought two MI helicopter for next one week so that it can be pressed into service in case of exigency. Additional Chief Secretary Rakesh Sharma informed him that no river has crossed the danger mark in the State. Due to heavy rains in past few days, routes are obstructed at 20 places between Rudraprayag and Sonprayag. No pilgrim is stuck at any destination. Despite the Sonprayag bridge being broken, people are commuting through foot. There were 173 pilgrims in Kedar Valley who have been moved to safer destinations. 13 ‘Kanwads’ has been shifted to safer destinations from Lincholi by a team of SDRF. The Additional CS has requested the union cabinet secretary to provide resources through BRO. This will increase the work of road and bridge construction. He said that the State Government is supporting BRO in its capacity. 3 Pokland and 2 JCBs have also been provided. The DG, BRO Lt Gen AT Patanik said that the Rudraprayag- Gaurikund route was terribly affected due to the disaster. Road has been reconstructed till Sonprayag. He said that 106 ‘thekas’ have been given for the construction of 175 Km road. Out of these 76 projects have been completed and 100 repair projects have been taken up in 165 crore rupees. There is fifty percent development in 21 of these projects.Indian met department’s DG Dr LS Rathore said that there is a chance of heavy rainfall in few parts of the State on18th and19th July. ACS has confirmed all preparations for the same. He ensured that all necessary precautions are being taken by the state. Weather related queries have also been issued. All DMs have been alerted. The yatra has been put on halt for now. It will be resumed once the weather clears. He has requested for two MIs helicopter till July 25 so that it can be useed in case of any disaster like situation. They will be placed in Dharchula and Gauchar.The union secretary has accepted this request. The State will be given two MI-17 till July 25, 2014.