3 Punjab pilgrims die during Manimahesh Yatra

The Manimahesh Yatra in Himachal Pradesh turned tragic as three pilgrims from Punjab died during the trek. Preliminary reports suggest that the pilgrims died due to lack of oxygen.

The deceased have been identified as Aman (18) and Rohit (18) of Pathankot and Anmol (26) of Gurdaspur. Authorities said the bodies are being brought to Bharmour for post-mortem, after which they will be handed over to their families, said Bharmour Additional District Magistrate Kulbir Singh Rana.

According to reports, Aman was rescued from Kamal Kund but succumbed at Gaurikund. Rohit collapsed on the Kugti track, while Anmol died at Dhanchho. Teams from the Mountaineering Training Institute and the NDRF have been deployed to bring their bodies to Bharmour.

Meanwhile, incessant rainfall over the past 24 hours has forced authorities to suspend the yatra indefinitely. Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal issued an order under Disaster Management Act to this effect. Pilgrims have been advised to stay at safe locations until weather conditions improve.

The annual pilgrimage, which began on August 16 and is scheduled to conclude on August 31, has been badly hit by adverse weather. So far, 14 pilgrims have died this year due to oxygen shortage, landslides and falling rocks.

Officials have appealed to devotees to remain cautious and strictly follow safety advisories during the yatra.

Relentless rains for the last two days have wreaked havoc across Chamba triggering multiple landslides and flash floods badly disrupting the connectivity. Power and water supply has also been badly hit.

All major roads in the districts are blocked due to landslides. Pathankot–Bharmour National Highway remains blocked at Kalsuni Jangi and Durgethi, bringing vehicular movement to a complete halt. Chamba-Pathankot, Chamba-Tissa, Chamba-Chowari and Dalhousie-Khajjiar roads remain blocked.

The MeT department has issued a red alert for heavy rains in Chamba district on Monday.