2 Pilgrims Killed in Pavagadh Rockfall Amid Heavy Rains

PAVAGADH : A tragic rockfall triggered by heavy monsoon rains claimed the lives of two pilgrims and injured four others at Pavagadh, one of Gujarat’s most visited pilgrimage destinations, in the early hours of Friday. The deadly incident occurred near Patiyapul on the road connecting Machi and Dungar when a large section of cliff suddenly collapsed, sending massive boulders crashing onto devotees passing through the route.

The impact was devastating, with two pilgrims dying on the spot after being trapped beneath the rocks. The incident sparked panic among devotees and raised fresh concerns about the safety of hill routes during the monsoon season.

As soon as information about the accident reached authorities, the village sarpanch, local police, fire brigade personnel and rescue teams rushed to the scene. Rescue workers, assisted by the ropeway team, launched an intensive operation to clear debris and pull out trapped pilgrims. The injured were shifted to the Government Hospital in Halol through 108 ambulances for emergency treatment.

According to hospital sources, two of the four injured pilgrims were discharged after receiving first aid for minor injuries, while the remaining two continue to undergo treatment.

The deceased have been identified as Pranavsinh Chhatrasinh Parmar (52) and Gunwantsinh Bhawansinh Parmar (40), both residents of Lalupura in Kathlal taluka. The injured include pilgrims from Ahmedabad and Surat, highlighting the widespread impact of the tragedy.

“The priority was to rescue those trapped and ensure immediate medical assistance to the injured,” an official involved in the operation said.

Following the incident, authorities have temporarily banned movement on the affected route. A joint team comprising officials from the Roads and Buildings Department, Forest Department, Police and Revenue Department has begun a detailed inspection of the entire hill stretch.

Officials stated that all vulnerable spots will be identified and necessary repairs undertaken before the road is reopened to pilgrims. The incident has intensified demands for stronger landslide prevention measures and regular safety assessments at Pavagadh, especially during the monsoon season.