A sudden turn of extreme weather in the high-altitude tracks of Himachal Pradesh has hit migratory pastoralists hard. In the rugged Rupin Pass region, which bridges Sangla in Kinnaur district with Dodra-Kwar in Shimla district, more than 2,000 sheep and goats are feared buried under deep snow following heavy snowfall that struck the heights on September 26. The livestock were traveling with local shepherds moving toward lower altitudes ahead of approaching winter conditions when severe weather cut off their descent route.
Sudden High-Altitude Snowfall Catches Herders Mid-Descent
Recent days saw torrential rains coupled with abrupt snowfall lash the upper reaches of Kinnaur. During that window, herders were driving their flocks along traditional mountain corridors to reach warmer valleys for the winter months. As they attempted to cross the challenging Rupin Pass, severe snowfall set in unexpectedly, blinding the tracks and halting movement altogether. While some herders trailing behind were able to turn back in time, those who had already traversed the critical heights found themselves completely unable to negotiate the treacherous downhill slopes through accumulating drifts.
Administrative Response And Satellite-Linked Rescue Deployment
Following reports of the disaster, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi instructed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Dodra-Kwar to mobilize an immediate rescue mission. A composite search and rescue team comprising local pastoralists, Home Guards, police personnel, and revenue department staff was promptly organized. The deployed team successfully climbed to the highest ridge of Rupin Pass on Wednesday and has established communication with district authorities using satellite phones to relay direct ground assessments from the frozen mountain pass.
Snow Accumulation Exceeds Three Feet With Visible Animal Horns
According to Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, snow cover at the pass currently exceeds three feet in depth. Ground estimates provided by herders suggest around 2,000 livestock animals have been trapped underneath the heavy drifts. At present, only the horns of certain larger animals can be seen breaking through the snow crust, while the condition and survival status of the smaller sheep and goats remain unverified under the thick layers. Authorities confirmed that no human casualties or injuries have been reported among the shepherds involved in the expedition.
Comprehensive Damage Survey And Targeted Relief Assistance Planned
The minister confirmed that an additional team of specialized officers from relevant departments will soon be dispatched to conduct a full, on-site damage assessment. A conclusive tally of livestock fatalities will only become possible once the heavy snow cover melts and a comprehensive physical verification takes place across the pass. The state administration has assured the impacted herders that relief distribution will commence promptly following the survey, with plans underway to extend financial support through a targeted special relief package to help pastoral communities recover their losses. Rupin Pass serves as a vital high-altitude link between Himachal Pradesh and neighboring Uttarakhand.
