Pune: A group of 52 pilgrims from Pune has been stranded in the Govind Ghat area near Badrinath due to a massive landslide in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, on Tuesday, July 9, which has blocked the Badrinath National Highway. The pilgrims have been forced to sleep by the roadside as they await rescue.

The 52 Pune pilgrims had independently organized their Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage, departing on June 28, and were scheduled to return to Pune from Delhi by flight on Thursday, July 11.

They were on the final leg of their journey, returning from Badrinath, when the landslide occurred, cutting off their route home. Among the stranded are several senior citizens.

Shantanu Pawar, whose mother and sister are among the stranded, expressed concern for their well-being and urged the local and central governments to expedite rescue efforts. He also called for attention from the state government to ensure a quick resolution.

"We have been stuck in Govind Ghat for three days due to the road closure caused by the landslide. Along with us are senior citizens and women. Our food and shelter conditions have been difficult for the past 72 hours, and the senior citizens have run out of their medications.

If we could be transported from the Govind Ghat helipad to the Pipalkoti helipad, we could make our way home," said Janhavi Pawar, one of the stranded pilgrims.

Pune District Collector Dr. Suhas Divase stated, "Efforts are underway to bring the stranded Pune residents back safely. Contact has been made with the state's disaster management department, and officials have spoken with the stranded citizens.

The blocked road is expected to reopen by Friday, July 12. If it does not, further plans will be made to ensure the safe return of the stranded pilgrims."