Himachal tragedy: Five bodies recovered

The Sashastra Seema Bal recovered the five bodies from the embankment dam on the Beas river.

According to reports, the students visited Himachal Pradesh for an excursion trip when the mishap occurred at around 6 pm on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju will visit Manali on Monday to oversee rescue and relief operation for the victims of the dam tragedy.

The operation is being undertaken in coordination with the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

"Steps are being taken to facilitate airlifting of parents of the victims to Kullu Manali," said a government release.

Twenty-four students of VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad were reported to have drowned in the Beas on Sunday at Thalot, around 40 km from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh due to sudden release of water from Largi Hydel Power Project, around 2 km away.

Meanwhile, Human Resources Development Minister Smiriti Zubin Irani has expressed grave concern over the incident of the 24 engineering students from Hyderabad feared washed away near Mandi in Himachal Pradesh.

Irani has assured Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Bali of all assistance and support required from the Centre.

Irani also spoke to the faculty of the Engineering College who was accompanying the travelling students group and was present at the accident site.

The Principal of the college has been assured of all cooperation at such a tragic and challenging juncture.

"Our prayers are with the families in this hour of need," she said.