10 K tourists stranded in Rain-hit Kullu reluctant to leave, await vehicle return: CM
Shimla, July 13
In a challenging situation caused by heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding, approximately 10,000 tourists find themselves stranded in the picturesque regions of Kasol and Kheerganga in Kullu district. The visitors, who have been unable to navigate the waterlogged roads and highways, are steadfast in their decision to remain until their vehicles can be retrieved. However, government authorities have appealed to the stranded tourists to consider returning home, assuring them of safe vehicle storage until the roads become passable once again.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in a media briefing held today, acknowledged the tourists’ reluctance to leave without their vehicles and confirmed that the government had advised them to obtain a police slip for the secure parking of their vehicles. The Chief Minister emphasized that the tourists could retrieve their vehicles once the roads were fully restored a process that might range from a fortnight to several months.
Also read:Rescue party reaches stranded tourists at majestic Chandertal Lake in Lahaul & Spiti in HP
Addressing the ongoing rescue operations in the flood-hit state, Chief Minister Sukhu revealed that a cloudburst today had stranded approximately 150 tourists in Recong-peo. He informed the press that rescue operations were currently underway in Chandratal, with the first group of stranded individuals making their way towards Losar. Additionally, he reported that 250 people, hailing from Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Pune, had been trapped at Chandertal Lake for the past five days. Despite attempts to rescue the tourists using helicopters, the Indian Air Force had deemed it unsafe to land due to treacherous conditions. The Chief Minister assured the public that two ministers were overseeing the evacuation operation, acknowledging the inherent risks of driving on slippery roads with temperatures plummeting to minus four degrees Celsius.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu revealed that all foreign tourists stranded in Kasol would be evacuated with the assistance of their respective embassies. The Israeli embassy had already obtained permission for the evacuation, which was granted by the government. The Chief Minister expressed his confidence in the embassy’s chopper’s ability to rescue the stranded foreigners scattered throughout various areas of Kullu.
To address the concerns of those stranded along with their vehicles, Chief Minister Sukhu assured them that their vehicles would be kept under police custody, and receipts would be provided to the owners upon their request. He encouraged immediate return for those willing to do so, as the government is working tirelessly to restore the rain-affected roads. Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that while the government would not force anyone to leave, they would provide every possible assistance until the completion of the rescue operations.
The government has been swift in restoring essential services such as power, water, and communication infrastructure, which had been severely affected by the heavy rainfall. Deploying JCBs and heavy machinery, authorities are working around the clock to clear the affected roads, facilitating the safe return of stranded tourists.
With the situation still evolving, tourists are urged to stay updated with the latest information and follow the guidance provided by the government and local authorities.
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