Investigation Launched into Youth’s Death during Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra
Revenue minister Jagat Negi has initiated a probe into the unfortunate demise of a young individual from Chandigarh while undertaking the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra in Kullu district. Allegations of exploitation of tourists by porters have also been raised.
The Incident
Abhay, a devotee aged 33 from Sector 15 Chandigarh, lost his life during the return journey from the Shrikhand Yatra. He began feeling unwell near Parvati Bagh and was assisted down to Bhem Dwari by rescue teams, receiving primary medical aid. Unfortunately, he passed away between Singarh and Jaho en route to the civil hospital in Nirmand. Preliminary indications suggest his demise was due to hypoxia (oxygen deprivation), with the exact cause to be determined in the postmortem report. The deceased’s brother claimed that porters demanded ₹60,000 to transport the patient to the vehicle route, eventually settling for ₹40,000.
Official Response
Minister Negi disclosed, “The individual was allegedly abandoned during the return trek despite significant payment to the porters. He collapsed and succumbed near the base after being carried part of the way. No government personnel or aid facilities were available in the vicinity of Singhar base camp.”
An investigation at the SDM level has been ordered, with the directive to refund the ₹20,000 fee charged by the porters to the bereaved family. Questions have been raised regarding the absence of administrative or rescue team presence along the crucial stretch.
Administrative Measures
Negi emphasized the necessity of timely evacuation and medical assistance for injured pilgrims, asserting that this falls under the administration’s purview. He mandated the deployment of SDRF, police, or officials along the final 2 km stretch, ensuring pilgrims are not reliant solely on porters. Additional measures include the placement of oxygen cylinders at all camps and compulsory medical assessments throughout the journey.
He stressed, “It is the duty of the authorities, not the porters, to guarantee the safety of every individual reaching their intended destination.”
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