Army personnel, sewadars clear Hemkund Sahib trek despite heavy snowfall
Indian Army and sewadars are clearing the Hemkund Sahib trek route despite heavy snowfall. Gurdwara likely to open on May 23, first batch to leave May 20
PTC Web Desk: Despite continuous heavy snowfall over the past two days, a joint team of the Army and sewadars of Gurdwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Management Trust has made steady progress in clearing the trekking route to Hemkund Sahib.
The team from the Indian Army’s 418 Independent Field Company under the 9 Mountain Brigade, led by a Subedar, has successfully crossed the Atalkoti Glacier along with dedicated sewadars. They are now just around 1.5 km away from Hemkund Sahib. Cutting through thick layers of snow, the team is working in difficult high-altitude conditions to make the route safe for pilgrims.
Officials are hopeful that the entire route will be cleared ahead of schedule. The shrine is expected to open on Saturday, May 23. The first batch of pilgrims is likely to leave from Rishikesh on Wednesday, May 20.
For decades, the Army has been carrying out this challenging task every year in the harsh Himalayan terrain to ensure the safe conduct of the yatra. Their efforts, often carried out in extreme weather conditions, have been widely appreciated by the Sikh community and other devotees.
The management trust also praised the sewadars for their dedication and service, as they continue to work shoulder to shoulder with Army personnel in this mission.
Gurdwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Management Trust president Narendra Jit Singh Bindra expressed gratitude to the Indian Army and all sewadars. He said such joint efforts reflect the spirit of selfless service associated with the Hemkund Sahib yatra.