Bhanjanagar: As many as 42 pilgrims from Bhanjanagar in Ganjam district were left stranded midway due to heavy snowfall while they were returning after offering prayers at Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand Saturday.
The pilgrims were on a trip to visit different shrines across the nation.
According to reports, 42 pilgrims had gone to Badrinath to pay obeisance to the deity. However, their trip was marred after heavy snowfall following which they were stranded on the road for hours. With no other option, they took shelter at a Dharamshala.
Though Uttarakhand government is yet to rescue them, the pilgrims are starving under the harsh weather condition.
The family members of the stranded pilgrims Sunday approached Ganjam Deputy Collector, Rajendra Minj and requested him to initiate steps for the rescue operation.
With the help of state government efforts are being taken to rescue them, it was learnt.
Speaking to the media 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.
Through a letter the Joint Relief Commissioner urged the Chamoli district Collector to provide necessary support to the stranded labourers and make arrangements for their safe return to Odisha.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat to initiate measures for the security and safe return of the pilgrims to Odisha.
PNN