4,000 stranded Manimahesh pilgrims shifted to Chamba; 39 buses deployed

Nearly 4,000 Manimahesh pilgrims stranded in the Bharmour region were shifted to Chamba by late Friday, the district administration said.

According to the Divisional Commissioner of Kangra, who is currently camping in Chamba, the pilgrims had to trek up to Kalsui, about 14 km from the district headquarters. To facilitate their onward movement from Kalsui to Chamba and Nurpur, 39 buses and 25 taxis were pressed into service. Additionally, a demand for 40 more buses has been raised with the Deputy Commissioner of Kangra.

In Chamba, arrangements have been made to accommodate and provide food of about 1,000 pilgrims. Although the Kalsui–Rakh road has been cleared of debris, it remains unfit for bus traffic.

Seven rescue teams, equipped with necessary gear, have been deployed to aid the pilgrims. These comprise volunteers, Home Guard personnel, NCC cadets, local residents, police, and civil officers. Free community kitchens (langars) have also been set up at Kalsui, Dharwala, and Dakhog to serve meals to the devotees.

Since August 24, when heavy rain triggered flash floods and landslides that washed away roads and disrupted communication links, 10 pilgrims have lost their lives and eight remain missing.

Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi reached Bharmour to oversee relief operations, while PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh has arrived in Chamba. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will conduct an aerial survey of the disaster-hit Bharmour today and meet affected families in Chamba.

The local administration has also stepped up road restoration work, with heavy machinery deployed at multiple locations.