Shimla, April 23
As many as 234 persons who are stranded on snowbound Manali[-Leh highway for last many days were rescued by a joint team of BRO, HimachalPradesh Police and District Administration. Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu said in a press statement that in the Morning of Apr 20 traffic movement was resumed across Baralacha Pass.
A team of 30 police personnel led by Superintendent of Police, Manav Verma was deputed on duty on the 50 km stretch from Darcha (Point 144) across Baralacha Pass up to Point 194, to oversee both smooth and safe movement of traffic especially trucks carrying essential supplies to Leh-Ladakh.
The trucks were stranded since 4th April at Darcha, after heavy snowfall at Baralacha Pass.
Around 1600 hrs when information was received that some trucks have slipped off the road at Point 193, and thereby blocking traffic towards Leh.
There were around 48 vehicles awaiting clearance of road. The police team led by SP L&S reached the spot Point 193, however, another truck broke down near Point 189, thereby blocking traffic on both sides of Baralacha Pass.
It was therefore decided by SP L&S to rescue all passengers and drivers along with sending back as many vehicles if possible to Darcha.
In a joint rescue operation, which lasted for more than 35 hours, various teams consisting of personnel from Lahaul & Spiti Police, BRO 70RCC and District Administration, rescued a total of 234 persons.
The rescue took place in challenging conditions, as there was heavy snowfall along with strong cold winds, as a blizzard struck at Baralacha Pass, situated at height of over 16,000 feet with temperatures around -25 degrees.
Total 147 persons, which consisted of mostly laborers from Nepal & Jharkhand along with 9 vehicles were rescued on the intervening night of 20th and 21st April, and brought safely to Darcha escorted by police team lead by SP L&S.
Further, on the next day, remaining 87 persons were rescued on the intervening night of 21st and 22nd April. All rescued have been brought to rescue camps at Jispa, and were provided first aid, food and shelter; he added.
Further, on the next day, remaining 87 persons were rescued on the intervening night of 21st and 22nd April. All rescued have been brought to rescue camps at Jispa, and were provided first aid, food and shelter; he added.
