Himachal Government launches massive rescue operation to evacuate Manimahesh Yatra Pilgrims

·        35 ailing and elderly pilgrims safely airlifted to Chamba

A major operation has been launched by the Chamba district administration to safely evacuate devotees stranded during the Manimahesh Yatra, under the direct supervision and directions of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The Chamba administration today began transporting nearly 500 devotees from Bharmour to Chamba by vehicles. At certain stretches, where roads have been damaged, adequate security personnel have been deployed by the district administration for their assistance and to ensure their safety. In addition, free food, drinking water, transport and other essential facilities have been arranged en-route to prevent any inconvenience to them.

A Spokesperson of state government informed today that, despite adverse weather conditions, 35 ailing and elderly devotees were safely airlifted to Chamba by a small helicopter, which completed seven sorties during the day. The Air Force’s MI-17 helicopter has also been stationed at Pathankot to meet any exigency.

He further stated that Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has been personally supervising the rescue operation on the ground for the past several days. Travelling on foot, he reached Bharmour from Chamba and has been tirelessly engaged in ensuring the safety of the devotees. He said that the state government was committed to safeguard the lives and property of its people as well as the visiting pilgrims and tourists  from several parts.