Chief Minister expresses grief over loss of lives during pilgrimage, assures assistance to families
Administration on high alert as Himachal faces heavy rainfall, landslide and flood threats
Pilgrims asked to stay back in Pathankot and Doda districts until weather improves
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed deep grief over the tragic deaths of two pilgrims during the Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He assured that the State Government would extend all possible assistance to the affected families in this difficult time and prayed for strength to help them bear the irreparable loss.
In the wake of continuous heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions, the Chief Minister announced that the annual Manimahesh Yatra has been suspended temporarily. Authorities in Pathankot district of Punjab and Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir have been requested to hold pilgrims in their respective regions until conditions improve. Sukhu emphasized that safety must remain the foremost priority during such times of natural challenges.
The Chief Minister appealed to citizens across Himachal Pradesh to stay away from rivers, streams, and nullahs to avoid any untoward incident, particularly as the Meteorological Department has issued a warning of heavy rainfall for the next 24 hours. He urged people to strictly adhere to advisories issued by local district administrations and to avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas.
Directing all district administrations to remain on high alert, Sukhu instructed officials to ensure immediate response in case of landslides, road blockages, or flash floods. He stressed the importance of keeping essential services flowing seamlessly so that people do not suffer additional hardship during the ongoing weather crisis. The state machinery, he said, stands prepared to meet the challenges posed by nature while safeguarding the lives and wellbeing of citizens.
