Manimahesh Yatra battling torrential rains draws attention in Himachal assembly
Shimla, Aug 25,
The annual Manimahesh Yatra, one of Himachal Pradesh’s most revered pilgrimages, is facing severe disruption this year as torrential rains and sudden cloudbursts have left roads blocked, streams swollen, and pilgrims stranded. Yet, despite the odds, thousands of devotees continue their arduous journey to the sacred lake of Lord Shiva in Bharmaur, Chamba, living for the Yatra’s deep spiritual pull.
Raising the matter in the Assembly under Rule 62, Bharmaur MLA Dr. Janak Raj said the Yatra has not only grown in popularity but is also vital to Chamba’s economy. He pressed for its inclusion under the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme to strengthen infrastructure, improve facilities, and digitally promote the pilgrimage.
Responding, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu admitted climate change has intensified challenges in the July–August period, making management difficult. He assured the House that the Deputy Commissioner is overseeing special arrangements, with local authorities and support teams deployed to ensure safety and relief for devotees.
Dr. Janak Raj also pointed out that the main access road remained blocked for over 36 hours due to heavy rainfall, urging the government to expedite rescue operations and deploy special forces.
The House was informed that the Tourism Department submitted a proposal on June 6, 2025, to bring Manimahesh and nearby sites under PRASAD. The Union Tourism Ministry is currently evaluating the proposal, which—if cleared—would provide 100% central funding, as seen earlier with the development of Mata Chintpurni Temple in Una.
This year, the Yatra has turned into both a test of faith and resilience, spotlighting not only the devotion of pilgrims but also the pressing need for coordinated planning, central assistance, and climate-adaptive infrastructure to manage large-scale pilgrimages in Himachal Pradesh.
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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.
