52 Pilgrims From Pune Stranded Near Badrinath Due to Landslide, Urgent Rescue Needed
52 Pilgrims From Pune Stranded Near Badrinath Due to Landslide, Urgent Rescue Needed
A group of 52 pilgrims from Pune has been stranded in the Govind Ghat area near Badrinath following a massive landslide in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, on Tuesday, July 9. The landslide has blocked the Badrinath National Highway, forcing the pilgrims to sleep by the roadside as they await rescue.
The pilgrims had independently organized their Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage, departing from Pune on June 28, and were scheduled to return from Delhi by flight on Thursday, July 11. They were on the final leg of their journey, returning from Badrinath, when the landslide occurred, cutting off their route home. Among the stranded are several senior citizens.
Alok Bhujbal, a pilgrim from Pune spoke to Pune Pulse about the ordeal. He said we were stuck for a long period at Joshimath due to the landslide. There are over 52 pilgrims from Pune city belonging from various areas such as Nana Peth, Hadapsar and Kothrud and other areas. There has been no help provided to us. After the road was cleared we climbed down and are on our way to a safer place.
Additionally, a bridge built on the river in the Govind Ghat area has broken, preventing movement beyond the area. Maharashtra MP from NCP, Supriya Sule, has also raised concerns and tweeted, “More than 50 people from Pune, Maharashtra, who had set out on the Char Dham Yatra, are stranded in the Govind Ghat area for the last 72 hours due to a landslide. These passengers include senior citizens and women. They have been at the same place for the last 72 hours. Due to that, their food and living conditions are becoming difficult. Therefore, a humble request to the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Ji Dhami, please cooperate with all of them to facilitate air travel from Govind Ghat helipad to Pipalkoti. So that they can return to Maharashtra.”
The local and state authorities are urged to expedite the rescue operations to ensure the safety and well-being of the stranded pilgrims.
