Sunil Chadha
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Friday held a live virtual meeting with senior officials to review the crisis affecting the Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district.
The CM, who was on tour to Bihar, received ground reports from local authorities.
Divisional Commissioner Vinod Kumar briefed the Chief Minister, saying that approximately 1,500 pilgrims, many from Doda in Jammu & Kashmir, were staying in Chowgan near Bharmour. “They will remain there until their final rituals are completed,” Kumar noted, adding that some devotees had already departed.
Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal, who was in Bharmour to oversee rescue efforts, reported that the situation was “stable and improving.” Police teams have been deployed across the region to assist pilgrims.
Repaswal further informed that thousands of pilgrims had started their return from Bharmour, many trekking at least 15 kilometres on foot to reach safer passage.
Two helicopters had been placed on standby for medical emergencies and to transport bodies. However, adverse weather conditions grounded flights on Friday. The Chief Secretary later said that the Air Force is prepared to airlift diesel and essential supplies should road connectivity worsen.
While some critics questioned Sukhu’s presence in Bihar as the crisis unfolded, officials stressed that the CM had remained in constant touch with district authorities. During the live review, Sukhu directed officers to focus on rescue, relief, and rehabilitation measures, urging that “people’s safety must remain the top priority.”
