Helicopter offers the only lifeline in upper Himachal

MANALI - With the Rohtang tunnel beneath the majestic Rohtang Pass near here a long way yet from its targeted completion in 2015, helicopter remains the only hope for thousands of snow-bound villagers high up the Himalayan slopes.

The chopper comes not only to the rescue of the ailing and the aged, but also to ferry the bodies of the dead for cremation by relatives who seasonally migrate.

Ajay Bhandari, secretary of the state’s general administration department, told IANS that a 26-seater chartered helicopter has been deployed to ferry people of the landlocked Lahaul and Pangi Valleys in Lahaul and Spiti and Chamba districts.

These areas have been out of bounds since late December as heavy snow snapped road connectivity. The road links are likely to be restored only by mid-May when the snows melt.

Bhandari said the helicopter is the only mode of transportation for the locals for more than five months every year.

From Jan 1, sorties are being scheduled. It’s first-come, first-serve for the ferry. However, the aged, women, children, patients and students appearing for examinations are given preference, he added.

According to Bhandari, 263 people have been ferried to and fro from Lahaul and Pangi Valleys till Jan 12. Two bodies were also airlifted.

Another official said the bodies have been transported as the locals preferred to perform the last rites with their families that have migrated to other areas during winter.

Every winter we remain cut off from the rest of the world. Even in case of emergencies like medical help, we have to wait for days to board the chopper. The list of passengers is endless. Only a few lucky ones get a chance (to board the helicopter), octogenarian Bharpur Negi, who was recently evacuated from snowbound Keylong, said.

Lal Chand, a resident of Sissu village, was evacuated Jan 12 after five days of wait. He has to undergo immediate treatment at a multispecialty hospital in Kullu town as his legs became paralytic.

He said there are still many patients in the Lahaul Valley who needed an immediate evacuation.

We are praying for the early completion of the Rohtang tunnel to ensure all-weather connectivity to Lahaul, he added.

Lahaul Valley, comprising more than two dozen small, scattered villages, remains cut off owing to heavy snow accumulation on the Rohtang Pass (13,050 feet), the only route that connects the valley with Manali in Kullu district.

The foundation stone of the 8.80-km-long horseshoe shaped tunnel was laid by Congress president Sonia Gandhi June 28, 2010. The tunnel is expected to be completed by the year 2015.

Bhandari said a subsidised rate of Rs.1,500 per person is being charged for the helcopter ferry from the locals and government employees serving there.

One can avail only two to-and-fro flights, but it is flexible in exceptional cases. Sick people can avail of the helicopter service as and when required at a rate of Rs.700 per person.

The climate in some areas of Chamba and entire Lahaul and Spiti districts is very treacherous as much of the land falls under a cold desert. The mercury drops below minus 20 degrees Celsius during winter.

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)