Garhwal Post Bureau
RUDRAPRAYAG, 4 Jul: A major accident was averted on Saturday in Rudraprayag district, as the water level of the Mandakini river rose suddenly amidst continuous heavy rainfall. In the Ganganagar area, a JCB machine engaged in construction work was caught in the strong current of the river. The driver and his helper were trapped in the middle of the swelling waters, creating panic at the site.
According to information received, the police control room was alerted through mobile number 7060016157 that water had been released from the Kund barrage of the Singoli–Bhatwari hydroelectric project, causing the Mandakini river’s flow to increase manifold. The sudden surge trapped the JCB machine and prevented the driver and his associate from reaching safety.
On receiving the alert, the District Emergency Operation Centre immediately activated the relief and rescue mechanism, dispatching teams of SDRF, water police and Nagar Panchayat Agastyamuni to the spot. Displaying courage and presence of mind, the rescue personnel carried out the operation under difficult conditions and succeeded in bringing both men out unharmed. Timely intervention prevented what could have been a major tragedy.
District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar said all disaster management agencies in the district have been placed on high alert during the monsoon. The administration is continuously monitoring river levels, weather conditions and sensitive areas to ensure immediate response in case of emergencies. He cautioned that with water levels rising rapidly in rivers, streams and seasonal drains, negligence near riverbanks or water channels could prove fatal.
The administration has appealed to the residents, local villagers, workers engaged in construction, travellers and pilgrims to avoid entering the rivers, banks or streams during the monsoon. It has been stressed that no work should be undertaken in river areas without administrative permission or safety arrangements. People have also been urged to strictly follow weather advisories and official instructions, and to report any emergency immediately to the police control room or the District Emergency Operation Centre so that rescue teams can reach without delay in view of continuous rainfall across the district.
