4,000 Stranded Manimahesh Pilgrims Brought to Chamba; 39 Buses Deployed

Around 4,000 pilgrims stranded in the Bharmour region during the Manimahesh Yatra have been safely brought to Chamba by late Friday night, the district administration confirmed.

The disruption was triggered by flash floods and landslides caused by incessant rainfall since August 24, which have already claimed 10 lives and left eight people missing.

According to the Divisional Commissioner of Kangra, who is currently stationed in Chamba, the pilgrims had to trek nearly 14 kilometers on foot to Kalsui, about 14 km from the district headquarters. From there, 39 buses and 25 taxis were pressed into service to transport them onward to Chamba and Nurpur. An additional request for 40 more buses has also been made to the Deputy Commissioner of Kangra.

Arrangements have been made in Chamba to provide food and shelter for around 1,000 pilgrims. While debris has been cleared from the Kalsui–Rakh road, officials noted that the route remains unsuitable for bus traffic.

To assist the devotees, seven fully equipped rescue teams have been deployed. These include volunteers, Home Guard personnel, NCC cadets, local residents, police, and administrative officials. Free community kitchens (langars) have also been set up at Kalsui, Dharwala, and Dakhog to ensure food supplies for stranded pilgrims.

Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi reached Bharmour to review the relief operations, while PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh arrived in Chamba. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is scheduled to conduct an aerial survey of the flood-hit Bharmour region today and meet affected families in Chamba.

The local administration has also intensified road restoration work, deploying heavy machinery at multiple locations to clear debris and reconnect blocked routes.