Champawat: In a dramatic rescue operation, more than 5,000 devotees stranded on the Purnagiri Dham route were safely evacuated by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) after sudden heavy rainfall caused rain drains to overflow and landslides blocked key access roads in the Bantana Gad area of Champawat district.
The incident unfolded early Tuesday morning when torrential rains triggered a surge in the Batanagad seasonal drain, flooding the pilgrimage route and leaving thousands of devotees trapped enroute to the revered Purnagiri shrine. The Kotwali Tanakpur police station alerted SDRF teams, prompting an immediate multi-agency response.
Debris and broken road sections forced pilgrims to cross through a dangerous ravine
Two SDRF teams were dispatched to the affected zone. Upon arrival, they found that debris and broken road sections had forced pilgrims to attempt crossing through a dangerous ravine. Recognizing the urgency, the SDRF teams quickly constructed a makeshift pathway using tin sheets, wooden planks, and stones, enabling the safe passage of thousands of stranded devotees to the main road. The operation was carried out under the supervision of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Akash Joshi, who praised the teams for their swift and courageous action.
“The situation was critical. The road had collapsed, and people were trying to cross through the ravine. The SDRF’s quick thinking and teamwork prevented what could have been a major tragedy,” said SDM Joshi. The rescue teams also arranged food and water for the stranded pilgrims, many of whom had been stuck for hours without shelter. Medical assistance was provided to those showing signs of fatigue or dehydration.
Uttarakhand’s most visited Shaktipeeth
The Purnagiri Dham, one of Uttarakhand’s most visited Shaktipeeths, continues to attract pilgrims even after the official mela season ended on June 15. Despite warnings of monsoon-related disruptions, devotees from Uttar Pradesh and other neighboring states have continued to arrive in large numbers.
The Tanakpur–Purnagiri route remains partially closed due to debris and high-water levels in the Batanagad drain. Authorities have urged pilgrims to avoid travel until further notice and to follow weather advisories strictly. Restoration work is underway, but officials warn that continued rainfall may delay full reopening of the route.
District administration, police, fire services, and revenue teams remain on high alert
The district administration, police, fire services, and revenue teams remain on high alert, with additional SDRF personnel deployed in vulnerable areas. The Uttarakhand government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of pilgrims and has appealed to the public to cooperate with rescue and relief efforts.
