42 Odia Pilgrims Stranded In Badrinath Following Heavy Snowfall

Bhubaneswar: Heavy snowfall at Badrinath in Uttarakhand has left 42 Odia pilgrims stranded.

According to reports, 42 pilgrims of Bhanjanagar in Ganjam district had gone on a pilgrimage to Badrinath on October 26. However, they could not return on Saturday as the road communication was disrupted due to heavy snowfall.

Informing the media over phone, the stranded Odia pilgrims said they are putting up at Haryana Bhawan, a dharmasala near the Badrinath temple and haven’t had food since last 24 hours. Two members have fallen ill due to intense cold.

Meanwhile, family members of those stranded met Ganjam sub-collector and informed him about the plight of their kin.

The Odia pilgrims also informed that they cannot recharge their mobile phones since power has been disrupted in the entire area.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, joint relief commissioner (JRC) Pravat Ranjan Mahapatra said the state government had informed the Uttarakhand government about the 42 stranded Odia pilgrims.

“The Odia pilgrims informed us today that the district administration provided them hot water and tea. Since they have remained without food, we have requested the Uttarakhand government to make necessary arrangements,” Mohapatra said.

He said the pilgrims would return as soon as the road is cleared. “If necessary, steps would be taken to rescue them from the area,” he added.

As informed by the Ganjam collector Vijay Amruta Kulange, the district administration would deposit money in the bank account of the stranded pilgrims. Efforts are on to ensure their safe return.