Bharmour rescue ops: DC inspects damaged highway

Chamba Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mukesh Repaswal inspected the damaged Chamba-Bharmour National Highway (NH-154A) and reviewed the ongoing restoration efforts. Walking along stretches between Durgethi and Dharwala, he assessed safety arrangements and facilities being provided for pedestrians navigating the disrupted route.

Briefing the media, Repaswal said on September 4, around 450 pilgrims were transported free of cost by taxis from Bharmour to Durgethi, an arrangement facilitated by the Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Bharmour. Pilgrims walking on foot are being assisted with free onward transport by HRTC buses from Kalsui to Pathankot and Nurpur.

“So far, nearly 15,000 pilgrims have been safely evacuated from Bharmour, while efforts are ongoing to bring out the remaining 800,” he said. The DC added that adequate arrangements for food and safety have been made along pedestrian routes, with NDRF personnel and security forces deployed at vulnerable stretches and community kitchens set up at halting points. The state government is also making special efforts to airlift those still stranded in Bharmour via helicopters.

Repaswal said nearly 20 km of road from the Chamba side and 25 km from Bharmour towards Chamba have been reopened for small vehicles. Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav, SDM Priyanshu Khati, Tehsildar Dixit Rana and other officials accompanied the DC during the inspection.

Between August 24 and 26, torrential rains wreaked havoc across the Bharmour region, triggering landslides, washing away bridges and critical infrastructure and causing severe communication disruptions. The sudden disaster left thousands of Manimahesh Yatra pilgrims stranded in Bharmour and adjoining areas. Since then, the district administration, supported by NDRF, HRTC and local authorities, has been engaged in round-the-clock evacuation and relief operations.