Over 250 Sheep Die in Himachal’s First Snowfall of the Season

Shimla (The Uttam Hindu): The first heavy snowfall of the season in the high-altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh, combined with a sudden drop in temperature, has led to the death of at least 250 sheep and goats in Chamba district. The snowfall has not only disrupted the weather but also exposed the vulnerability of the local shepherd communities.

The state is still recovering from the monsoon season disaster, which caused heavy loss of lives and property worth crores of rupees. While the snowfall raised hopes for improved tourism, it proved disastrous for a group of migrant shepherds (Gaddis) passing through the remote Jharasu pass in Chamba.

According to local officials, the shepherds, originally from Gwalti Khar, Kangra district, were moving a herd of 600 sheep and goats when sudden heavy snowfall and a minor avalanche trapped them.

Upon receiving the news, Panchayat head Ashok Kumar immediately organized a rescue team from the village. The team faced several challenges, including crossing the Ravi River, where water levels had risen. Local residents, risking their lives, built a temporary wooden bridge to reach the stranded shepherds.

After a difficult rescue operation, two shepherds, Krishna Kumar and Jogendra, along with the remaining livestock, were saved. Both men received initial treatment at Holi Hospital for cold-related stiffness and were later referred to Tanda Medical College for further care.