300 tourists stranded in Chandratal, 3rd day of a rescue operation

For the past three days, 300 tourists have been stranded in Chandratal, located in the Lahaul-Spiti district, due to heavy snowfall. Efforts to open the Batal-Chandratal road are currently underway as work commenced at 5:30 am on Wednesday. The stranded individuals have been duly notified of their imminent rescue.

It is being reported that this rescue operation is regarded as one of the most challenging. Currently, the rescue teams are positioned approximately 25 kilometers away from Chandratal. By the second day of the operation, they successfully cleared a 12 km stretch of the road. As of now, their task involves removing 3.5 feet of snow that has accumulated on the road.

Today Rescue teams will reach Chandratal

As per ADC Kaza Rahul Jain, "heavy snowfall in Chandratal has resulted in tourists becoming stranded. The road leading from Kunjam Pass to Chandratal is currently covered in 3 to 4 feet of snow, which is currently being cleared. In order to aid the rescue operation, a 6-member messenger team equipped with satellite phones was dispatched to the camp area on the second day. Based on the latest information, we are relieved to report that all stranded tourists in Chandratal are confirmed to be safe."

Details of tourists stranded in Chandratal

225 male and 75 female tourists are currently stranded in Chandratal due to unforeseen circumstances. These individuals were camping in the area when the situation arose. Among them, there is one child, three individuals above the age of 60, and the remaining fall within the age group of 18-60 years. Out of the total, 35 people are from Himachal Pradesh, while the rest originate from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and other states. Additionally, the group includes two foreign tourists, one representing Ireland and the other hailing from the United States.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Sukhwinder Singh, has assured that the stranded tourists will be promptly rescued.

The completion of this rescue operation is expected today.

Know about Chandratal

Chandratal, located in the Spiti Valley, is renowned as one of the most breathtaking tourist destinations. Visitors are drawn to this picturesque spot for its excellent trekking and camping opportunities. The mesmerizing Chandratal Lake, famous for its distinctive shape and enchanted waters, holds immense allure. Furthermore, it serves as the origin point for the majestic river Chandra, which emerges from a glacier situated on the southeastern side of the Baralacha La Pass.

These narrow streams of water cascade towards Kunzum pass, converging to create Chandratal: a magnificent lake nestled within a sprawling slush plain amidst the majestic peaks of the Kunzum range.

Keep Reading

• Sarbal a village in Kashmir buried in snow, How do people live here?
• Brown Bears living like pigs in Kashmir, eating garbage and plastics

Follow Ground Report for Climate Change and Under-Reported issues in India. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Koo App, Instagram, Whatsapp and YouTube. Write us on [email protected].