Chamba (Himachal Pradesh):
Relentless snowfall across Himachal Pradesh has thrown normal life into chaos, with three to four feet of snow blanketing several regions and cutting off vital road links. In a heart-wrenching incident from Chamba district, a 14-year-old boy had to be carried nearly 40 kilometers on foot to reach medical care as roads remained completely blocked.
The incident occurred in Leo village under Sahli panchayat in the remote Pangi Valley. Sahil, son of Bhupender Kumar, developed severe mouth ulcers that left him unable to eat or drink, and his condition continued to deteriorate. With no motorable road available, villagers displayed extraordinary courage and humanity by carrying him on their backs through snowbound stretches.
He was first taken on foot to Kuthal Dhank, then transported by vehicle up to Saach where the road was again blocked. From there, he was once more carried on foot to Siddh Temple before help finally arrived.
Upon receiving information, the Executive Residential Commissioner and Sub-Divisional Officer of Pangi promptly dispatched a PWD vehicle from Killar. Sahil was rescued and admitted to Civil Hospital Killar, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Meanwhile, heavy snowfall continues to worsen conditions in Pangi Valley. Interior villages remain completely cut off, and residents allege that snow clearance by the Public Works Department is progressing too slowly given the gravity of the situation. The Border Roads Organisation has also been unable to fully restore key routes even after more than two days, leaving the valley disconnected from the outside world.
A video from the remote village of Shun, shared on social media by MLA Dr. Janak Raj, highlights the severity of the crisis. The MLA has alleged continued neglect of tribal areas and stressed that restoring road connectivity and ensuring healthcare access during emergencies must be the government’s top priority.
BJP Mandal President Satish Kumar Rana thanked the administration for swift action after being informed about Sahil’s condition.
Local residents have urged authorities to clear snow on a war footing, particularly on the crucial Saach–Sechu link road and other major and interior routes, to prevent further risks to life.
MLA Dr. Janak Raj stated that instructions have been issued to restore all roads in Pangi on a priority basis to minimize public hardship and normalize life at the earliest.
