Shimla, 29 August (Kiran News). Heavy rainfall and landslides have caused severe destruction in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Amid this natural disaster, 11 pilgrims have lost their lives so far during the Manimahesh Yatra. Three bodies are yet to be recovered. Around 10,000 to 12,000 travellers remain stranded at various locations due to road blockages.
Continuous rainfall and landslides have blocked hundreds of roads, including the Chamba-Bharmour National Highway. Power transformers and drinking water schemes have also suffered heavy damage, severely impacting daily life across the district. The most affected areas are the tribal regions of Pangi and Bharmour, where communication services have been down for several days. Mobile and network services remained completely shut for the past four days and were only partially restored last night. However, in Bharmour, communication services are still not fully functional.
Due to heavy rain and landslides, the Manimahesh Yatra has been halted. Thousands of pilgrims are stuck en route. Teams from the administration, NDRF, and SDRF are continuously carrying out relief and rescue operations. Helicopters are also being used to evacuate travellers to safer places. The administration has assured that the stranded pilgrims are safe and arrangements for food and shelter have been made at various locations. Efforts are underway to bring 29 pilgrims stuck on the trekking path to Bharmour.
Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal stated that the worst damage occurred between 24 and 26 August. He said that many travellers are stranded due to damaged roads but all are safe. He also urged people not to believe in rumours, stating that no major tragedy has occurred during the yatra. However, roads and public facilities have been badly affected due to the weather.
He clarified that since 16 August, 11 deaths have been reported during the yatra. Of these, the families of 8 identified victims have been informed, while three bodies are yet to be recovered. He said that every effort is being made to ensure the safe return of stranded pilgrims.
Administrative officials and staff engaged in the rescue operation are continuously on duty and taking every step to ensure the safety of travellers.
Himachal Police Launches ‘Operation Hausla’ for Rescue
Meanwhile, to rescue stranded pilgrims in the tribal region of Bharmour, Chamba, badly affected by heavy rain and landslides, Himachal Pradesh Police has launched “Operation Hausla.” The police stated that electricity and mobile networks are completely down in the area, but police and SDRF teams are working day and night for relief and rescue. The police have appealed to the public not to panic and to remain patient.
According to Himachal Police, people are unable to contact their relatives due to network disruption. To get information about their loved ones, people can contact Shimla Police Control Room at 0177-2621796 and 0177-2621714. For any emergency, dial 112 immediately. In their message, the police said, “Janata ki Dhaal, Seva ki Misaal – Himachal Police.”
State Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena informed that massive landslides occurred at Bagga and Durgatti areas on the Chamba-Bharmour route. As a result, about 10,000 people were stranded in Chamba city, out of which nearly 7,000 have returned home after the Chamba-Pathankot road reopened. Around 3,000 pilgrims remain stranded in Bharmour.
The Chief Secretary said that the safety of stranded people is the top priority, and ration and essential items will be supplied by helicopter if needed. He urged people to avoid rumours and rely only on official information.
Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Pathania will visit Chamba today. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh have already left for Chamba to assess the situation.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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