Under the direct care and instructions of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, a major campaign has been launched by the Chamba district administration to protect the devotees trapped during the Manimahesh Yatra, a release said in a release.
The Chamba administration on Thursday started transporting around 500 devotees from Bharmour to Chamba by vehicles. In some places, where roads are damaged, the district administration has deployed adequate security personnel to ensure their assistance and security. In addition, free food, drinking water, transport and other necessary facilities have been arranged on the way to protect them from any inconvenience.
A spokesperson of the state government today said that despite adverse weather, 35 sick and elderly devotees were rushed to Chamba by a small helicopter, which flown seven flights during the day. The Air Force Mi-17 helicopter has also been deployed in Pathankot to deal with any emergency.
He further informed that Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has been monitoring the rescue operation at the ground level for the last several days. They have reached Bharmour from Chamba on foot and are tirelessly trying to ensure the safety of the devotees. He said that the state government is committed to the safety of the lives and property of pilgrims and tourists coming from various parts as well as its people.
Meanwhile, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), 343 people have died in the state since the onset of monsoon on June 20 this year, out of which 183 deaths have occurred due to rainfall incidents such as landslides, sudden floods and lightning, and 160 deaths have occurred in road accidents.
The cumulative report of SDMA till September 3 presents a serious picture of widespread human and economic losses in all 12 districts. A SDMA spokesperson said, “This year the monsoon has caused unprecedented damage to life and property, causing thousands of people directly and indirectly affect.