CHENNAI: Pilgrims from Chidambaram in Cuddalore, who were stranded in Uttarakhand following landslides triggered by heavy rains, safely returned to Chennai on Tuesday morning.
A group of 30 pilgrims had embarked on a spiritual tour to the northern states on September 1. They were travelling to Adi Kailash temple in Uttarakhand when they were stranded due to landslides in the region.
Upon information, the Tamil Nadu government coordinated with the Uttarakhand government and the Indian Army to rescue the stranded pilgrims.
Chief Minister MK Stalin spoke to one of the members of the group, identified as Parashakthi, and assured that the State government would take all steps to ensure the pilgrims' safe return to Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, Army personnel swung into action and airlifted the stranded pilgrims, including those from Tamil Nadu, on helicopters. They were later taken to Delhi by road. From Delhi, 20 pilgrims were sent to Chennai via the Sampark Kranti Express train, while 10 others were flown to Chennai by Indigo Airlines.
The pilgrims, who arrived at the Chennai airport this morning, were received by Tamil Nadu government officials and were sent to their hometowns.
Speaking to reporters, the pilgrims recounted their harrowing experience, saying they were stuck for four days in Uttarakhand without food or water and had lost hope of returning alive. That was when the rescue personnel came to their aid.
They expressed their gratitude to the Indian Army, the Tamil Nadu government and Chief Minister Stalin for their rescue and safe return.
The pilgrims also thanked the officials who provided them with food, shelter, and other necessities during their rescue and transit.
Adi Kailash, also known as Shiva Kailash, is a mountain located in the Himalayan mountain range in Pithoragarh district.