Chandigarh man dies during yatra; outrage over overcharging by porters

Abhay, a 33-year-old pilgrim from Chandigarh, lost his life while being transported from Bhimdwari to Jaon during the sacred Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra in the Nirmand region of Kullu district yesterday.

Abhay had embarked on the arduous journey with his cousin on July 12. After successfully reaching Shrikhand Mahadev, he fell seriously ill on the return trek. Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local volunteers managed to evacuate him from Parvati Bagh to Bhimdwari, where his condition showed signs of improvement. It was hoped he would reach the base camp safely.

However, due to a shortage of SDRF personnel, many of whom were simultaneously deployed in the disaster-hit Mandi, his cousin was forced to hire local porters to carry Abhay over the remaining 20-km stretch. Shockingly, the porters demanded an exorbitant Rs 40,000 for the service. The porters were paid money but Abhay died on the way back, sparking outrage among fellow pilgrims and locals.

Nirmand Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Manmohan Singh said that while SDRF teams provided stretchers and emergency equipment, porters, often the only available manpower in remote areas, were hired privately. “We are facing a shortage of SDRF personnel due to concurrent rescue operations. However, all necessary equipment is made available,” he added.

The SDM said that an inquiry had been launched into the alleged overcharging by porters. Abhay’s body would be handed over to his family after a postmortem, he added.

This tragic death has reignited a call for better regulation of porter services during a high-risk pilgrimage. Activists and community leaders have urged the authorities concerned to prioritise humanitarian values over profiteering, especially when lives are at stake.

Himachal Tribune