Pilgrim dies during Shrikhand yatra

Abhinav Vashisht
Kullu, July 17

A pilgrim died of respiratory problem during Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra today. Anni SDM Chet Singh said  Subhash Patil (74) from Pune was provided treatment in Parvati Bagh yesterday, but he died. 

He said another pilgrim Divyangni Vyas (35) from Ahemdabad was rescued after she complained of suffocation near Parvati Bagh.

Three pilgrims were injured and about 60 stranded as parts of a glacier collapsed on the way to Shrikhand Mahadev yesterday. Kullu SP Gaurav Singh said the incident occurred at Nain Sarovar near Parvati Bagh.

The SP said the injured were brought to Parvati Bagh and given first-aid. He said Rajiv from Ludhiana, Baba from Maharashtra and Vivek from Pune were brought to Bhim Dwari today.

A rescue operation was started immediately after the incident and about 60 pilgrims were rescued from the glacier point and brought to Bhim Dwari. The melting of the glacier, rain and landslides left several pilgrims  stranded for hours. The yatra has been temporarily suspended.

Considered tougher than the Amarnath pilgrimage, the 10-day Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra began on July 15. A base camp for registering pilgrims has been set up at Singhad and pilgrims are allowed to undertake the harsh trek only after thorough medical examination.

The SDM said over 2,000 persons had registered to undertake the yatra within two days of the commencement of the pilgrimage.

Three injured; pilgrimage suspended 

• Three pilgrims were injured and about 60 stranded as parts of a glacier collapsed on the way to Shrikhand Mahadev on Tuesday. 
• The incident occurred at Nain Sarovar near Parvati Bagh.
• The injured were brought to Parvati Bagh and administered first-aid. 
• Rajiv from Ludhiana, Baba from Maharashtra and Vivek from Pune were brought to Bhim Dwari on Wednesday.
• The melting of the glacier, rain and landslides left several pilgrims  stranded for hours. The yatra has been temporarily suspended.