Chamoli/Ganjam: As many as 42 pilgrims from Bhanjanagar have been stranded near Badrinath due to intense snowfall.
According to sources, the pilgrims were returning from Badrinath after darshan when the roads were blocked with snow following which they had to take shelter in a dharamsala.
"There is no food, drinking water and electricity here. We are staying under extremely difficult conditions," a stranded pilgrim said over phone.
On the other hand, Bhanjanagar Sub-Collector Rajendra Minj has assured that all of them will be rescued soon.
"All the senior citizens from Bhanjanagar who had gone to Badrinath are currently residing at Haryana Bhawan. We have spoken to the local authorities in Uttarakhand and soon they will be rescued," Minj said.
The stranded pilgrims had visited the Dham on October 26 and had plans to visit Rishikesh and Dwarka later.
Joint Relief Commissioner Pravat Mahapatra informed that a letter has been written to the Uttarakhand government by the Special Relief Commissioner.
"We have spoken to the stranded pilgrims over phone. All of them are now staying at a Dharamshala," Mahapatra said.
Meanwhile, Ganjam collector Vijay Amruta Kulange informed that money will be credited into the bank accounts of the stranded pilgrims.
"The Odisha government will send money into the bank accounts of the stranded pilgrims. Focus is being given to ensure their smooth return," Kulange said.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has requested Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat for safe return of 42 Odia pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand CM took to Twitter and wrote that he has issued the orders for safe evacuation of all the pilgrims.