In a remarkable rescue effort, 35 elderly and sick pilgrims from the famous Manimahesh Yatra in Himachal Pradesh were airlifted out of Chamba district on Thursday, despite challenging weather conditions. The helicopter operation, carried out in seven flights, was part of the state government’s quick response to ensure the safety of the devotees.
The Chamba district administration also helped rescue nearly 500 pilgrims traveling by road from Bharmour to Chamba. Since some roads were damaged due to the heavy rains and landslides, security personnel were deployed to guide and assist travelers, making sure everyone reached safety.
To help those stranded, the government arranged free food, drinking water, transportation, and other essential services along the route. The Indian Air Force’s MI-17 helicopter was stationed at Pathankot to support any emergency situations that might arise during the rescue.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi personally supervised the rescue operations. He traveled on foot from Chamba to Bharmour to check on the safety of the pilgrims and to coordinate relief efforts.
The Himachal government has made it clear that protecting the lives and property of both locals and visitors is a top priority. They are committed to ensuring the safety of the thousands of pilgrims coming to Himachal Pradesh every year, especially during the challenging weather conditions caused by recent heavy rains and landslides.
To speed up recovery and rebuilding, the government has decided to relax some rules under the MGNREGA scheme. This will allow more urgent work, like repairing damaged roads and infrastructure in rural areas, to be carried out quickly and provide employment to local people.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu highlighted the severe damage caused by cloudbursts, heavy rains, and floods, which have impacted agriculture, farming, and rural communities. To help speed up restoration work, district authorities have been given the authority to approve new projects under MGNREGA without waiting for formal permission from local village councils, considering the difficult weather conditions.
This proactive approach aims to restore normal life as quickly as possible and ensure the safety and well-being of everyone affected by the recent natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh.
