The Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, has been completely suspended due to heavy rainfall and landslides. Three pilgrims have died, and five injured were airlifted and admitted to the hospital.
Manimahesh Yatra Cancelled: Due to heavy rain and landslides in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, the administration has completely suspended the Manimahesh Yatra. The administration is using airlifts and pedestrian routes to transport pilgrims and personnel involved in the Yatra to safer locations. Due to the deteriorating weather conditions and the damaged state of the roads, traffic on the Yatra routes has come to a complete standstill.
Three Pilgrims Die Tragically
According to sources, three pilgrims have died. Two of them were stranded on the Kugti route and one on the Hadsar pedestrian route. The bodies can only be identified upon reaching Hadsar, as contact is not possible due to the mobile network being down.
Fortunately, the five pilgrims injured during the landslide in Sundarasi have been airlifted by helicopter and admitted to the hospital. They are being treated at the Civil Hospital in Bharmour, and their condition is reported to be stable.
Immediate Rescue Operation by the Administration
Due to heavy rain and landslides, officials and employees stationed on the Yatra route and at Manimahesh Dal Lake are also being recalled. Staff are being airlifted to safe locations due to bridges being washed away and roads damaged in several places. Deputy Commissioner Chamba, Mukesh Repswal, said that the Yatra has been completely stopped, and the safety of staff and pilgrims is the priority.
Relief Operation Continues by Helicopter
After the weather cleared this morning, the administration started a relief operation via helicopter. First, the five injured people were airlifted, and now other pilgrims and staff are also being brought to Bharmour. The administration is constantly monitoring the weather and the situation to avoid any further untoward incidents.
Roads Closed and Mobile Network Down
Heavy rain has been continuing in the Chamba and Bharmour regions for the last three days. Due to this, the condition of the roads has become very bad, and most routes are closed. Additionally, it is becoming difficult to establish contact between the local administration and families due to the mobile network being down.
Efforts are being made to restore the mobile network. The team has reached Chuari, but is unable to proceed to Chamba due to the road being closed. This is also hindering the relief and rescue operations.
Pathankot-Chamba National Highway Expected to be Restored
The administration estimates that the Pathankot-Chamba National Highway may be restored by evening. After the road is restored, emergency vehicles will be given priority, and the vehicles of pilgrims will be transported to safer locations.
Food, Drink, and Accommodation Arrangements for Pilgrims
The administration has ensured food and accommodation arrangements for the pilgrims stranded in Chamba. However, people are having to rely on bottled water due to the lack of water supply. There has been a drinking water crisis for three days. The administration and local officials are trying to resolve this problem as soon as possible.
Message from the Administration
Deputy Commissioner Chamba, Mukesh Repswal, said that the priority at this time is safety and relief work. Roads and Yatra routes have become dangerous due to heavy rain and landslides. Therefore, the Manimahesh Yatra has been completely stopped. He urged people to follow the instructions of the administration and stay in safe places.
