Relief reaches avalanche-hit village in Pangi valley
Residents of Kumar village in the remote Pangi valley finally breathed a sigh of relief as aid reached them four days after an avalanche struck on March 2, leaving the hamlet inaccessible and residents stranded.
Though no casualties were reported, several houses sustained significant damage due to the avalanche, which was triggered by three days of relentless snowfall. The village was grappling with acute shortages of essential supplies, a crisis The Tribune had prominently highlighted on March 5. The severed road access, due to three days of relentless snowfall, made on ground relief efforts impossible and airdrop was the only option.
Pangi’s officiating Resident Commissioner Raman Gharsangi said an Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopter successfully airlifted and dropped essential supplies to the villagers, ensuring they receive immediate relief.
“We deeply appreciate the efforts of the district administration, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and the Air Force for their timely intervention,” he said.
Chamba Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the DDMA Mukesh Repaswal coordinated the relief effort. “We had requisitioned a helicopter and arranged for essential supplies to be airlifted from Chamba on Wednesday evening. The airdrop took place on Thursday morning, delivering tarpaulins, blankets, warm clothes, shoes, ration, and household items to the affected villagers.” He said more relief material will be sent as and when needed.
The aid was distributed among the villagers by local coordinators and panchayat representatives. “Our village has endured extreme hardships due to this avalanche. The timely support from the administration and volunteers has given us a much-needed respite,” said Dev Raj, a panchayat representative.
Pangwal Ekta Manch, an organisation representing the people of Pangi, who had raised the issue by writing to the government, pushing for swift action, also expressed their gratitude to the state and district authorities.
“We sincerely thank the Chief Minister, the state government, and the district administration for addressing our concerns and ensuring that aid reached the stranded villagers,” said Trilok Thakur, chairman of Pangwal Ekta Manch.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to restore road connectivity to Kumar village. Gharsangi said the administration had deployed machinery to clear the snow and debris and the ground link to the village will be soon restored.
The Pangi valley is one of the most remote and challenging regions in Himachal, particularly during the winter.
