The Chief Minister also directed Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat to conduct a strict checking campaign in hilly areas to prevent road accidents. Rawat has been given the responsibility of managing traffic in the Kumaon division.
At least 21 people were injured in the bus accident and two people with serious injuries were shifted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rishikesh by ambulance helicopter. This came after CM Dhami directed the officials to take the injured to AIIMS Rishikesh if necessary and assured that the government is committed to help the victims.
He was in Haldwani on Thursday for a one-day program and met the injured, admitted to Dr. Sushila Tiwari Hospital, who were injured in the bus accident on Wednesday. The Chief Minister directed the hospital administration for better treatment.
On December 25, CM Dhami directed that Rs 10 lakh be given to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. Out of Rs 10 lakh as assistance, Uttarakhand Transport Corporation will contribute Rs 5 lakh while Rs 2 lakh will be provided from road safety fund and Rs 3 lakh from CM’s discretionary fund.
The Chief Minister also ordered compensation of Rs 3 lakh for seriously injured and Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 for minor injuries.
“On the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami, assistance will be provided to those who died and injured in the bus accident that occurred in Okhal, Bhimtal. The families of the deceased will be provided with an amount of Rs. 10 lakh, Rs. 3 lakh. to, and Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 to others,” the CMO release said.
CM Dhami thanked the local community for helping the police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to rescue the victims.
“The local citizens coming together to help the police and SDRF in this difficult time after the Bhimtal road accident shows that the people of our state are always ready to support each other. Heartfelt to all of you. Thanks to you! The dedication and hard work of the many rescue teams and local residents is commendable,” he posted on X.
Four people were killed and at least 21 injured when a bus plunged into a 100-metre-deep ravine in Nainital’s Bhimtal on Wednesday. SP Nainital, Jagdish Chandra said the driver lost control of the bus, which later fell into a ditch.