Were 35 Ailing, Elderly Manimahesh Devotees Airlifted in Himachal?
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Synopsis
In a remarkable rescue operation amidst adverse weather, thirty-five elderly devotees of the Manimahesh Yatra were airlifted from Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. The state government coordinated efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of these vulnerable pilgrims, highlighting its commitment to public safety during crises.
Key Takeaways
- Thirty-five elderly devotees were airlifted due to adverse weather.
- Major rescue operation involved nearly 500 devotees.
- Free food and essentials were provided during the operation.
- Revenue Minister supervised the operation on-site.
- Relaxations under MGNREGS were introduced for timely restoration.
Shimla, Sep 4 (NationPress) A total of thirty-five ailing and elderly devotees participating in the Manimahesh Yatra were airlifted from Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, using a helicopter in seven separate sorties on Thursday, as reported by the state government.
The operation, initiated by the Chamba administration, aimed to ensure the safe evacuation of devotees, with nearly 500 individuals being rescued in vehicles from Bharmour to Chamba.
Where road conditions have deteriorated, the administration has deployed adequate security personnel for assistance and to guarantee safety.
Moreover, the government has arranged free food, drinking water, transportation, and other essential facilities along the route to alleviate any inconvenience faced by the devotees, according to a government spokesperson.
An Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopter has been stationed at Pathankot to address any emergencies.
The spokesperson stated that Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has been actively supervising the rescue operation on-site for several days.
He made the journey on foot from Chamba to Bharmour, focusing on ensuring the safety of the devotees.
The government is dedicated to safeguarding the lives and properties of both locals and visitors, including pilgrims and tourists from various regions.
In response to the extensive damage caused, the government has decided to relax regulations under MGNREGS to facilitate timely relief and rehabilitation.
This decision enables the undertaking of additional works based on the actual demand for employment in rural areas, especially for the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure, as stated by the government.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu highlighted that the state has faced substantial losses due to cloudbursts, relentless rains, flash floods, and landslides, which have gravely affected agriculture, horticulture, livestock, and rural infrastructure.
To expedite restoration efforts, Deputy Commissioners now hold the authority to approve new works under MGNREGA without waiting for prior consent from the gram sabha.
Subsequent approval from the gram sabha, panchayat samiti, and zila parishad will be secured later, considering the impracticality of holding such meetings under the current weather conditions.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the prompt action taken by the Himachal Pradesh government in response to the recent natural calamities affecting the region. The airlift operation reflects a significant commitment to ensuring the safety of both locals and pilgrims. The focus on rehabilitation and relief efforts underlines the government's dedication to recovery, making it imperative for us to stay updated and informed.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for the airlift of devotees?
The airlift was necessitated by adverse weather conditions that posed risks to the safety of the elderly and ailing devotees during the Manimahesh Yatra.
How many devotees were rescued?
A total of thirty-five ailing and elderly devotees were airlifted, alongside nearly 500 others who were rescued in vehicles.
What kind of assistance was provided to the devotees?
The government arranged for free food, drinking water, transportation, and other essential facilities to ensure the comfort and safety of the devotees.
Who supervised the rescue operation?
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has been supervising the rescue operation on the ground, ensuring the safety of the devotees.
What measures are being taken for infrastructure restoration?
The government has relaxed norms under MGNREGS to expedite relief and rehabilitation efforts, allowing for new works to restore damaged infrastructure.
