Garhwal Post Bureau
Uttarkashi, 31 Oct: The rescue operation to evacuate trekkers and support staff stranded on the Kedartal trek has been intensified on the directions of District Magistrate Prashant Arya. A total of 13 people, comprising 7 trekkers and 6 support staff, had set out from Gangotri for the Kedartal trek on 27 October. Their return was scheduled for 29 October, but they were unable to return on time after the route was blocked due to adverse weather conditions, glacier movement and snowfall.
The stranded group established contact through a trekking agency yesterday and informed authorities that they were safe near Kachchi Dhang, while also seeking assistance. Following the information, the trekking agency deployed a team of porters and guides yesterday, who worked on clearing nearly six kilometres of the route. A 10-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team left Uttarkashi for Gangotri at 6 am today to join the rescue effort. Alongside them, a team comprising 2 Forest Department personnel, 7 members from the trekking agency and 6 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel has also been dispatched towards Kedartal.
According to the latest information received from the Range Officer of Gangotri National Park, 4 persons, including 3 porters and a cook, have been located safely near Kachchi Dhang. However, the remaining 8 people are stranded ahead of Bhojkharak due to an avalanche that has obstructed the route. Rescue teams are making continuous efforts to reach them, but the operation is taking time as access has been hampered by avalanche debris and difficult terrain.
The administration claims to be taking all the necessary measures to provide first aid to the injured person and ensure the safe evacuation of all those stranded. The Disaster Management Department has also written to the departments concerned and the officials concerned for arranging helicopter support, if required. The DM has directed all the agencies involved in the operation to work in close coordination and expedite the rescue mission to ensure the safe evacuation of those trapped on the route.
