Gujarat pilgrim dies during Shrikhand yatra

Our Correspondent

KULLU, JULY 16

A Gujarat pilgrim died during the Shrikhand Mahadev yatra here on Monday.

Rajender Kumar (55) from Rajkot collapsed due to a cardiac arrest at the Thachru base camp on Monday morning. Anni SDM Chet Singh said Rajender had started trekking on Sunday morning along with his family and halted at the Thachru base camp.

He said the body would be brought back to Jaon village and later to Nirmand for a post-mortem examination. It is the first death during the yatra. The pilgrimage started on Sunday from the Singhad base camp.

The 35-km trekking to Shrikhand Mahadev begins from Nirmand (Kullu). Though the district administration sets up rescue posts with police personnel, doctors and paramedical staff for the convenience of pilgrims, many casualties are reported every year.

The adverse climatic conditions and high-altitude pose a threat to the devotees. There have been 23 casualties during the pilgrimage since 2011. Despite hardships, hundreds of pilgrims go to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva.

Meanwhile, the road between Nirmand and Jaon, blocked due to a landslide, was cleared. The SDM said there was no parking available in Jaon and trekkers should park their vehicles 4 km before Jaon. Mini buses were plying between Nirmand and Jaon for the convenience of the pilgrims.