Shimla, October 4: A police team rescued a group of shepherds stranded near Rupin Pass in Kinnaur district amid heavy hailstorm, snowfall and freezing weather conditions, officials said.
The incident came to light on September 27, when information was received that shepherds travelling from Sangla Kanda in Kinnaur towards Dodra Kwar had been trapped near Rupin Pass due to severe weather.
Acting swiftly, the police, along with the Revenue Department, formed a joint rescue team. Despite the difficult terrain, heavy snowfall and adverse weather, the team carried out a rescue operation on September 29 and 30 and safely brought out all the stranded shepherds.
During the operation, the team also rescued two goats and three sheep that had been buried under the snow. Around 1,600–1,700 sheep and goats were also safely brought back from the affected area.
The police personnel worked in extremely challenging conditions and continued the operation despite risks to their own safety. Their prompt response, courage and commitment helped ensure the safe evacuation of both the shepherds and their livestock.
