Over 12,000 pilgrims depart from Chamba in three days

Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal today informed that more than 12,000 Manimahesh pilgrims have left Chamba during the last three days.

He said that pilgrims are being provided free bus service by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) to Nurpur, Pathankot and Bhaderwah to facilitate their safe return.

The Deputy Commissioner added that all the pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir, who had been camping at Chaugan ground in Chamba, have now departed. An 11-member family from Ramban, which had been accommodated at Chaugan, was also sent to Pathankot in an HRTC bus.

For the safety and convenience of pilgrims returning on foot up to Bagga, the district administration has ensured arrangements for security, accommodation, food and transportation. He said that officers have been deployed at different points along the Bharmour–Chamba National Highway to oversee the arrangements and ensure smooth movement of devotees.