NDRF evacuates 1,459 pilgrims from Manimahesh Yatra

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescued a total of 1,459 Manimahesh pilgrims who were stranded between Chamba and Bharmour in last two days after fresh landslides created more blockades in the already rain-battered region.

The pilgrimage to the sacred Manimahesh Lake has been severely disrupted since August 24, when incessant downpours triggered flash floods and landslides across Chamba district.

A total of 10 pilgrims were killed, while key road links, including the Chamba-Bharmour route, were cut off by falling debris and mudslides stranding thousands of pilgrims.

The situation worsened between August 28 and 30, when heavy rainfall triggered fresh slides at Rakh, Bagga and Dharwala, leaving thousands of devotees trapped along the treacherous mountain tracks.

Responding to the emergency, the 14th Battalion of NDRF under Commandant Baljinder Singh deployed a special rescue team led by Inspector Deepak Singh Aswal. Reaching Chamba on August 30, the team immediately launched operations at multiple vulnerable sites. On the first day, 192 pilgrims were evacuated from Rakh, 167 from Bagga during a first phase and another 270 in a late-night second phase at Bagga, bringing the total rescues that day to 629.

On August 31, operations continued at Bagga sliding point and Dharwala, where another 830 devotees were brought to safety. In all, 1,459 pilgrims were rescued over two days, despite adverse weather, poor visibility and the constant threat of loose boulders.

In an official statement, the NDRF said the rescue efforts were among the most challenging in recent years, as the teams had to navigate narrow, slippery paths and unstable slopes while ensuring that pilgrims, many of them elderly and children, were safely escorted.

Chamba administration has appealed to the public not to heed rumours or unverified reports circulating on social media and assured that every possible measure is being taken for the safety of devotees. Rescue and relief operations will continue until all stranded pilgrims are safely brought back.

Pilgrims from J&K leave Chamba

Meanwhile, a government spokesperson said all pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir who had been camping at various transit locations in Chamba have now left the district. Reports from multiple sites indicated that the groups from J&K, including those running community kitchens, have vacated the area.

At Chowgan, one family of 11 from Ramban was accommodated in an HRTC bus bound for Pathankot to facilitate their safe return. While a few individuals traveling independently may still be present in Chamba, no organised group from J&K has been sighted in the town, said the spokesperson. He further said the Police Ground at Bargha has also been cleared by the devotees. “However, the operation to bring the stranded devotees to safety is still underway,” he said.