23-04-2025
How a landslide turned out to be blessing in disguise for H'bag family
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Chatra: A devastating landslide that initially seemed like a travel disruption turned out to be a blessing in disguise for a Hazaribag-based business family, saving them from a potential terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. The 10-member family of Dishant Kumar, son of prominent lawyer and communist leader Shib Kumar Shibu, is currently safe in Srinagar, grateful for what they now consider divine intervention.
The family's meticulously planned Kashmir vacation, costing approximately Rs 4 lakh, took an unexpected turn when they landed in Jammu on April 20. A sudden weather change triggered a landslide, leading to the cancellation of their Jammu-Srinagar flight and forcing them to alter their entire itinerary.
Speaking exclusively to TOI from Srinagar, Dishant Kumar said that their original plan included reaching Pahalgam, located 54 km from Srinagar, on April 21, with a full day of sightseeing scheduled on Tuesday. However, the blockage of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) forced them to take an alternative route through Mughal-Rajouri road, resulting in an exhausting 10-hour journey.
"What initially seemed like a major inconvenience was actually a miracle," said Dishant. "Had we stuck to our original schedule, we would have been in Pahalgam during the terrorist attack." The family only learned about the tragic incident when concerned relatives and friends began calling to check on their well-being.
The revised itinerary meant staying in Srinagar instead of proceeding to Pahalgam as initially planned. Their comprehensive tour, which was supposed to cover Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg, had to be completely restructured due to the natural calamity.
Dishant's wife, Savita Kumari, expressed profound gratitude for what she believes was divine protection. "We were initially disappointed about our disrupted plans, but now we understand how God protected us," she said.
Despite the setback to their vacation plans, Dishant shared positive observations about Kashmir's tourism sector. He said significant improvements in the region's situation over the past three years, with increasing tourist footfall contributing to local livelihoods. "The people here are heavily dependent on tourism for their sustenance, and it's heartening to see the positive changes," he added.
The family is currently waiting for their return flight to Delhi on April 26, as earlier tickets were expensive. While acknowledging the financial and time losses incurred due to the disrupted plans, Dishant said, "When my family's safety is assured, material losses become insignificant."
The family, currently staying at a Srinagar hotel, plans to return home with a profound appreciation for life and a story that underscores the unpredictable nature of fate.
