10K sheep stranded in Mantalai area rescued

hinav Vashisht

Kullu, September 17

A team of The Little Rebel Adventures Pvt. Ltd, Katagla, headed by Director Shiv Ram, were able to rescue over 10,000 sheep and more than 50 shepherds stranded in pastures in the over 13,000-feet high Mantalai area in the Parbati valley of the district. The alternative route of their return was damaged following the collapse of the glacier in the Tunda Bhuj area; the bridge over the Parbati on their original route was broken seven years ago.

Shepherds take their livestock to the pastures in the higher reaches during the summer and return in September on the onset of the winter. The stranded shepherds had appealed to the district administration for help, which sent a team on September 9 that made a temporary way for the safe passage of sheep.

Shiv Ram said that building a temporary path was not an easy task but the enthusiasm of the youth made this possible. He added that it took them a week to rescue the stranded animals.

He said that horses were made to cross the river with the help of ropes so that they were not swept away by the strong current of the Parbati. Now, only three sheep herders were left in Mantalai while others along with their sheep had been rescued.

Kullu DC Ashutosh Garg said that the broken bridge at Tunda Bhuj on the Mantalai route would be readied by next year.