Day after Pauri mishap, two senior officers transferred, 2 suspended

A day after a bus mishap near Dhumakot in Pauri district killed 48 people, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has transferred two senior officials and directed the chief secretary to suspend the Dhumakot station officer and the additional regional transport officer of the area.

Their suspension has been ordered by the Chief Minister considering negligence of the officials as evident prima facie. Secretary Dilip Javalkar has been relieved of the post of Garhwal commissioner while Shailesh Bagauli has been appointed as the commissioner of Garhwal. Further, Pushpak Jyoti has been relieved of the post of deputy inspector general of Garhwal range with Ajay Rautela replacing him as DIG of Garhwal range.

According to the Chief Minister’s office, Rawat has also directed the Public Works Department to repair the roads in the State.

Considering the possibility of heavy rainfall and in view of the monsoon season, the Chief Minister has also directed that a mechanical excavator be deployed every three kilometres especially in the mountainous regions. Stating that a magisterial inquiry had been ordered into the mishap which occurred on Sunday, he stressed that strict action will be initiated against the official/employee found guilty.

Rawat, further, said that action will also be taken against helicopter service companies in case of negligence in providing the swift service required during disaster scenarios. Instructions to this effect have also been issued to the civil aviation department.