Bharmour: Rescuers save 3,000 sheep & shepherds from glacier calving

In a major operation, more than 3,000 sheep and goats along with around a dozen shepherds trapped near Kugti Pass in the remote tribal region of Bharmour due to a glacier calving, were rescued safely by the rescuers.

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The braking of glacier had damaged the traditional mountain route used by the shepherds last week. The operation was carried out by a joint team of trainees of the Animal Husbandry Department from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mountaineering Institute, Bharmour.

The incident occurred when a group of shepherds was migrating with their flocks from Bharmour to the highland pastures of Lahaul-Spiti and Pangi. The sudden glacier calving led to the complete collapse of a section of the path, leaving the group stranded midway. While some shepherds had managed to move ahead, others remained trapped behind with their animals, leading to panic and concern amidst worsening weather conditions.

Upon receiving information, the local administration swiftly dispatched rescue teams to the site. The teams braved tough terrain and unpredictable weather to clear and reconstruct the damaged path, eventually guiding the stranded shepherds and livestock to safety.

Dr Rakesh Kumar Bhangalia, Assistant Director, Sheep Development, Bharmour, confirmed the successful evacuation and praised the efforts of the rescue teams and mountaineering trainees, whose dedication ensured a safe outcome.

Every year, Bharmour’s shepherds undertake this seasonal migration via Kugti, Kalicho Banni and Chobia passes to graze their livestock in the alpine meadows of Lahaul-Spiti and Pangi for about two months. This year, however, unseasonal glacial melt disrupted the journey.

The shepherds had earlier raised their concerns with Manoj Thakur, Chairperson of the Wool Federation, during his visit to Bharmour, demanding urgent action. Local MLA Janak Raj also urged the administration to take immediate steps. Acting promptly, authorities ensured the rescue operation was conducted efficiently, bringing much-needed relief to the affected shepherds.