Trapped In The Himalayas: 150 Shepherds Stuck At Minus 18 Degree Temperature Since September-End In Bara Bhangal, HP

Ignoring the district administration’s advice, more than 150 shepherds who are trapped in Bara Bhangal of Himachal Pradesh since the end of the last month (September) are trying to make their way through the Thumbsar Pass. The district administration had earlier advised them to take the Jalsu Pass which is considered safer, The Tribune has reported.

According to the paper, the shepherds had moved to Marri near Thumbsar Pass along with their sheep and horses. The area is covered under 12-15 feet of snow and the night temperature nears minus 18 degree celsius.

There is no shortage of food for the shepherds for the time being, Chatta Singh, who managed to return to safety has claimed. “But they have incurred losses with their cattle having perished or too weak to cross the Thumbsar Pass,” he said.

Vikas Shukla, SDM, Baijnath said that an advisory had been issued by them to the shepherds for not crossing over from Thumbsar as the route is dangerous. Supply of ration to the shepherds was being done at the PDS shop at Bara Bhangal, said the SDM. “We have advised them to leave their horses in Bara Bhangal, asking the local panchayat to take care instead.” he said.

A mountaineering team was approached to take out the body of a shepherd who fell into a gorge but the team felt that it was too risky to undertake the task in current conditions, informed the SDM.

Local activists are demanding that the government repave the steep paths at Thumbsar and provide financial help to the shepherds whose only source of livelihood is their cattle, which they cannot leave behind hence.