This information regarding trekkers and porters stranded in the Gangotri region due to heavy snowfall was provided by tourism professional Bhagatsingh Rawat. As soon as the information was received, local MLA Durgeshwar Lal apprised Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bahuguna of the situation.
Following the prompt response to the information, the government has launched relief and rescue operations on a war footing for the trekkers and porters stranded in the Gangotri region due to heavy snowfall.
Of the 136 people stranded in the area, 40 have so far been safely evacuated by helicopter and brought to Harsil. Continuous efforts are underway to safely evacuate the remaining people as well.
Meanwhile, there are reports that an untrained porter had taken a group of 136 people to undertake expeditions on different peaks in the upper reaches of the Gangotri Range, which reportedly led to the present crisis.
Of those undertaking mountaineering and trekking activities in different locations around Kalandikhal Pass, 40 people have been rescued so far, including 11 members of the Himalayan Hikers company.
