SDRF rescues over 3,000 pilgrims

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has conducted 21 operations during the Manimahesh Yatra 2025, rescuing over 3,000 stranded pilgrims from the challenging terrain of Chamba district. This follows incessant rains and landslides that disrupted the pilgrimage.

During these operations, 15 devotees were rescued alive in critical circumstances, while the bodies of five others were recovered. The SDRF announced this on its official social media handles.

The initial deployment of SDRF teams began on August 15, with three units from the Kangra company mobilised to ensure the safety of devotees. These teams were subsequently reorganised and stationed at two key locations along the route, with 16 personnel at Dhanchho and 18 at Hadsar, the base camp of the yatra.

As heavy rains struck from August 23, the conditions deteriorated rapidly, and by August 25, all road and communication links in the region were completely severed. This left a large number of devotees trapped mid-route without access to essential facilities.

Amidst the adverse weather, SDRF personnel intensified rescue and evacuation operations. Through tireless efforts, they succeeded in escorting thousands of pilgrims to safety.

On the night of August 29, at about 8 pm, an SDRF team, acting on ISAT satellite communication, reached Gaider on the Kugti-Gaider circumambulation route and successfully rescued eight stranded devotees, including four from Nagpur, two from Saharanpur, and two from Tissa. All were safely transported to Bharmour.

Officials stated that each SDRF team deployed in the region is fully equipped with satellite phones to maintain communication in the absence of mobile connectivity, medical first responder kits, Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) equipment, flood-rescue gear, and mountaineering material to handle the challenges of the rugged and landslide-prone terrain.

The SDRF has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of every pilgrim undertaking the sacred journey and has pledged to continue search and rescue operations relentlessly until the last stranded devotee is brought to safety.