Helicopters Rescue Passengers Stranded by Landslides on Adi Kailash Yatra

In a major rescue operation, passengers stranded on the Adi Kailash Yatra route due to landslides in Pithoragarh district were safely evacuated by helicopter on Sunday. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the operation saw coordination between various agencies ensuring passenger safety.

In a coordinated effort led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, passengers stranded due to landslides on the Adi Kailash Yatra route in Pithoragarh district were successfully rescued by helicopters on Sunday, according to an official release.

The Chief Minister's Office reported that most passengers stranded at different locations were safely airlifted. The passengers at Narayan Ashram are to be rescued by heli service soon. Dhami personally monitored the operation, directing it be carried out on a war footing.

The rescue operation was a collaboration between local administration, NDRF, SSB, Uttarakhand Police, and Chipsam Aviation Company. Dhami lauded District Magistrate Pithoragarh, SSP Pithoragarh, and the Civil Aviation teams for their efforts, emphasizing the government's commitment to passenger safety.

Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman, has been personally overseeing operations from the State Emergency Operations Centre. Heavy rains on September 13 triggered landslides blocking the Adi Kailash Yatra route, affecting passengers from Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Delhi.

Under the Chief Minister's directives, a heli-rescue campaign was launched. On Sunday, 10 passengers from Khela and 30 from Budi were airlifted to Dharchula. However, one passenger, Swadesh Nandchahal, died due to ill health.

Efforts to clear the travel route continue, with the BRO team working to remove debris. The route is expected to be operational in two to three days.

(With inputs from agencies.)