Chinook helicopter airlift 135 pilgrims in Himachal Flood-Hit Chamba

Shimla, Sept 5,

Early this morning, the roar of Indian Air Force Chinook helicopters echoed across Chamba’s valleys as the first sortie lifted stranded Manimahesh Yatra pilgrims to safety. As soon as the cloud-gates got opened the heavy-lift Chinooks were pressed into civilian rescue operations, a move that marked a turning point in ongoing relief efforts after almost 8-10days of relentless rain and devastation.

In three sorties alone, 135 pilgrims were evacuated to Chamba’s Kariyan helipad. Each sortie carried between 52 and 60 pilgrims, offering them a lifeline from treacherous high-altitude terrain. For many, the morning evacuation was a moment of survival after being stranded in the Bharmour belt for days.

Relief operations have intensified across the worst-hit districts of Kullu and Chamba, where landslides, flash floods and cloudbursts have left behind a trail of destruction. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, camping in the region for three days, trekked on foot into the remote valleys of Pangi and Bharmour to oversee relief. On Thursday, ration was air-dropped to 35 shepherds stuck in Chaubia pastures, underlining the government’s effort to reach even the most inaccessible habitations.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also joined ground monitoring, flying into Kullu in an MI-17 Army helicopter with relief supplies. Reinforcements have been stationed at Bhuntar Airport, including two MI-17s and another Chinook, for supply drops in Sainj Valley, where ration, medicines and tarpaulin sheets have already reached cut-off villages like Shakti and Maror.

According to the Revenue Department, as of Friday morning, 1,217 roads remain blocked across Himachal Pradesh, including four national highways. The highest closures are in Mandi (280 roads), Kullu (230 roads) and Chamba (187 roads). Power supply too remains crippled, with more than 1,800 transformers damaged.

Search operations continue at Inner Akhara Bazaar in Kullu, where rescue teams recovered mutilated remains of three victims from the debris. Locals said the stench of mud and rotting wood has hung heavy over the market for days, even as families wait in anguish for missing relatives to be traced.

Minister Negi has announced that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will soon be drawn up to make the Manimahesh Yatra safer and more systematic in future. He also clarified that Langar Committees will not be charged any fee for serving pilgrims. To support affected orchardists in Chamba, HPMC will procure C-grade apples at Rs 12 per kg in Bharmour subdivision.

For residents, the morning sight of helicopters crisscrossing the skies over Chamba was more than just an operation – it was a signal of hope. After weeks of isolation and loss, the sound of rotor blades at dawn carried a message that help was finally at hand.

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Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.