Chamba (Himachal Pradesh) – Amid challenging weather conditions and treacherous terrain, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a critical rescue mission on Friday, airlifting 135 stranded pilgrims from Bharmour to Chamba using three sorties of Chinook helicopters. The operation was part of an ongoing state-wide evacuation effort launched during the annual Manimahesh Yatra, a high-altitude pilgrimage route known for its unpredictable conditions.
The rescue mission was conducted under the close supervision of Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who has remained on the ground coordinating logistics, monitoring road accessibility, and ensuring stranded pilgrims receive medical attention, food, and shelter.
Rescue Operations Intensify Amid Harsh Conditions
The Manimahesh Yatra, a spiritual trek that draws thousands of devotees from across North India, became particularly hazardous this year due to landslides, heavy rainfall, and damaged access roads. Pilgrims journey toward the sacred Manimahesh Lake, situated at an altitude of 13,500 feet in the Pir Panjal range, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.
While the region annually prepares for extreme conditions during the pilgrimage, this year’s monsoon-related destruction exceeded expectations. Blocked routes and erratic weather patterns disrupted traditional evacuation pathways, prompting aerial rescue operations as the most viable option for many.
On Thursday, prior to the Chinook operations, smaller helicopters had already transported 35 elderly and ailing pilgrims, completing seven sorties to airlift them safely to Chamba. These patients had reported complications such as altitude sickness, respiratory issues, and exhaustion. The swift response likely saved several lives.
Ground Evacuation and Road Assistance by Local Administration
Simultaneously, the Chamba district administration, in coordination with the state disaster response teams, began transporting stranded devotees via road where feasible. Approximately 500 pilgrims were moved to safety using temporary clearances carved out from landslide debris and flooded passages.
Security personnel, including Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and state police forces, were deployed in vulnerable zones to assist and escort pilgrims through risky stretches, many of which were slippery, steep, and at risk of further collapse. Teams carried supplies, provided support for those unable to walk, and maintained communication links with rescue control rooms.
The district authorities activated emergency protocols, deploying medical teams at checkpoints and setting up temporary relief camps to provide basic necessities like food, drinking water, and first aid.
Public Transport Mobilised for Returning Devotees
To ensure that returning pilgrims reach their homes without further delay or hardship, the state government enlisted the services of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri confirmed that free bus services had been initiated to move devotees from Chamba to lower altitudes.
According to official figures, 6,647 pilgrims have so far been transported to Pathankot and Kangra aboard 153 buses. The buses have been operating in rotation and across multiple routes to accommodate the heavy outflow. Agnihotri emphasized that this support would continue “until every pilgrim reaches home safely.”
Transport officers on the ground have been coordinating with civil officials and using real-time weather tracking to avoid further delays or route closures.
Pilgrimage and Pilgrim Safety – A Persistent Challenge
The Manimahesh Yatra, traditionally coinciding with Janmashtami, draws tens of thousands of devotees annually. Though the pilgrimage holds deep spiritual significance, the high-altitude journey through unpredictable Himalayan terrain has become increasingly susceptible to weather-related hazards in recent years.
Authorities have been gradually updating safety protocols, increasing mobile connectivity coverage along the yatra route, and issuing advisories to ensure pilgrims are better prepared for the rigorous trek. However, climate variability, such as sudden cloudbursts and landslides, continue to pose serious threats.
In this year’s case, officials admitted that continuous rainfall and road erosion caught several segments of the administration off guard, especially in higher regions where rescue vehicles could not access stranded groups without air support.
Role of Air Force and Civil Coordination Praised
The deployment of IAF Chinook helicopters, which are known for their capacity to operate in extreme altitudes and challenging terrains, played a decisive role in averting a larger humanitarian crisis. Their ability to transport dozens of passengers per sortie allowed swift evacuation, particularly from areas inaccessible by road.
Defence and civilian coordination ensured that logistics, fuel availability, weather assessments, and rescue priorities were meticulously handled. Pilgrims airlifted by the Chinooks were received by medical teams in Chamba and then transitioned into the care of civil services for onward transportation.
Minister Jagat Singh Negi noted that real-time communication between the air force and district-level emergency officers allowed fast deployment decisions, ultimately speeding up the evacuation of vulnerable pilgrims.
Local Community Involvement and Volunteer Efforts
Local villagers from Bharmour and nearby regions also played a key role in providing food, shelter, and warmth to stranded pilgrims, particularly during nights when the temperature dropped significantly. Volunteer groups worked alongside rescue officials, helping locate missing individuals and carrying elderly pilgrims over rough terrain.
State-run health teams and NGOs have been setting up mobile health camps, providing emergency medication, warm clothing, and hydration kits. Special attention is being given to children, elderly individuals, and those suffering from chronic health conditions exacerbated by the high-altitude environment.
Safety Measures for Future Yatras
As the immediate crisis winds down, state authorities are already evaluating ways to improve infrastructure and crisis preparedness for future editions of the Manimahesh Yatra. Proposals under consideration include:
- Reinforcement of trekking routes using weather-resistant materials.
- Expansion of helipad facilities in upper regions.
- Permanent installation of emergency radio towers to maintain connectivity during adverse weather.
- Enhanced coordination mechanisms between defence, transport, and health departments.
Several officials have highlighted the importance of limiting the number of daily pilgrims through a digital permit system to avoid overcrowding and reduce the strain on the natural environment.
Final Pilgrim Repatriation Underway
By Friday evening, all major rescue operations had successfully reduced the number of stranded pilgrims to a minimal count. Continuous monitoring and weather assessments remain underway to plan further movements.
The state government has appealed to devotees not to attempt independent travel through damaged regions and to await official clearance from the administration. Updates are being issued periodically through radio broadcasts and local administration websites to inform families and the media of the rescue progress.
The swift and coordinated rescue mission involving the Indian Air Force, civil administration, and local communities highlights both the perils and resilience associated with the Manimahesh Yatra. As 135 devotees were airlifted to safety and thousands more escorted back home, the efforts underscore the importance of preparedness, inter-agency collaboration, and timely response in safeguarding lives during such spiritually significant yet physically demanding pilgrimages.
