Tribune News Service
Dharamsala, February 20

The district administration, Chamba, has sought the help of the Army to supply essential items to Pangi villages. All routes to the villages have been cut off for the past few days due to an avalanche.

Chamba DC Harikesh Meena said there had been heavy snow and avalanches in many areas of Pangi and Bharmour. Due to that,certain villages had been cut off.

“We requested the Army to provide food and necessary medication to such villages. Since there was heavy snow today also, the aid could not be provided to the cut-off villages. We will make efforts with the help of the Army when the weather improves,” he said.

The Pangi valley is a remote, rugged and poorly developed tribal area of Chamba district. It is one of the most remote areas in the state. The valley comprises Saichu, Hudan Bhatori and Sural Bhatori valleys. Roads conditions are poor. In winters, the valley remains cut off due to heavy snow.

The Saach Pass at an altitude of 14,500 feet (4,400 m) is open to the traffic between mid-June and October, but closed due to heavy snow.

Pangi tehsil covers 1,601 square kilometres and had a population of about 20,000. The valley has 16 panchayats and 54 villages. The valley is mostly inhabited by Pangwala and Bhoti people.

Bharmour MLA trapped for five days

Bharmour MLA Jia Lal has been trapped in the Killar area of the Pangi valley for the past five days. Sources said he was trying to come out from the Doda area of Jammu and Kashmir.