A critically ill shepherd from the remote Bara Bhangal region of Kangra district was rescued after a challenging 24-hour ground operation by a 13-member mountaineering rescue team. The evacuation was carried out after helicopter assistance became impossible due to adverse weather conditions, forcing the district administration to rely on a difficult mountain rescue mission.
The rescue team, led by instructor Pankaj Mahant, travelled from Bharmour to Bara Bhangal on July 18 through rugged and dangerous mountain routes to reach the ailing shepherd. The region, considered one of the most inaccessible villages in Himachal Pradesh, has limited connectivity and requires long treks through difficult terrain.
After reaching the patient, the team carried him on a stretcher through steep slopes and hazardous trails on July 19. Battling harsh weather conditions and challenging landscapes, the rescuers travelled for several hours before reaching Dharari around midnight. An ambulance stationed there immediately shifted the shepherd to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College and Hospital in Chamba, where he is undergoing treatment.
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Additional District Magistrate of Bharmour, Vikas Sharma, praised the coordinated efforts of various departments and the rescue team. He said the operation was successfully completed due to quick decision-making, efficient planning and the courage displayed by rescuers working under extremely difficult weather and terrain conditions.
Meanwhile, shepherds from the traditional Gaddi community have appealed to the Himachal Pradesh government to allow the use of the Atal Tunnel during their seasonal migration between Kullu and Lahaul, especially during extreme weather. They said crossing high-altitude mountain passes becomes dangerous during heavy rain, snowfall and glacier-related risks, putting both shepherds and livestock in danger.
The shepherds requested that access through the tunnel be permitted for a limited period every year to ensure safer migration routes for thousands of sheep and goats. They questioned who would be responsible for losses caused by landslides, flash floods and other natural disasters during their journeys. Officials indicated that emergency access for shepherds and livestock through the Atal Tunnel could be considered in critical situations.
The rescue operation took place amid severe weather warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). A red alert was issued for heavy rainfall in parts of Kangra, Solan, Una and Sirmaur districts, while an orange alert was issued for Chamba, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Shimla and Mandi. Authorities advised residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers and vulnerable areas, and remain cautious in landslide-prone regions.
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