Video Footage: Rescue Mission Underway for 40 Stranded Devotees on Gangotri Gaumukh Trek
Video Footage: Rescue Mission Underway for 40 Stranded Devotees on Gangotri Gaumukh Trek
SDRF launches a rescue operation to evacuate 40 Shiva devotees stranded after two Kanwariyas were swept away on the Gaumukh trek.
Monsoon is wreaking havoc in Uttarakhand. It is causing rivers and streams to overflow and landslides to occur. On the Gangotri Gaumukh trek in Uttarkashi, two Kanwariyas (Shiva devotees) were swept away, prompting a major rescue operation. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has started evacuating all Kanwariyas who were on the trek.
Kanwariyas from different states come to Gaumukh to collect Gangajal for the Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva during the month of Sawan. Tourists also visit the Gaumukh trek, adding to the challenges of ensuring everyone’s safety.
उत्तरकाशी– गौमुख पैदल मार्ग पर चीड़वासा के पास पुल टूटने से कांवड़ियों के फंसे होने की सूचना पर #UttarakhandPolice SDRF ने 08 किमी की पैदल दूरी तय करते हुए घटनास्थल पर पहुंचकर 08 कांवड़ियों को सुरक्षित रेस्क्यू किया। शेष कांवड़ियों के रेस्क्यू के लिए अभियान जारी है।@uksdrf pic.twitter.com/abkRsAGqvY
— Uttarakhand Police (@uttarakhandcops) July 5, 2024
On Friday morning, an SDRF team reached the spot where a wooden bridge was washed away due to strong currents on Thursday. They began the process of rescuing each stranded Kanwariya. A video from July 4 shows the rescue operation in Chidbasa, ahead of Gaumukh.
Many places on the way to Gangotri and Gaumukh have fast-flowing water, making it dangerous for trekkers. Despite warnings from the police and government, Kanwariyas continue to go to these risky areas. The Uttarkashi administration has now forbidden Kanwariyas from going further on the Gaumukh trek due to the monsoon and the high risk of accidents.
SDRF personnel are working hard to evacuate all the Kanwariyas safely. They are also searching for the two Kanwariyas who were swept away by strong currents on July 4. SDRF Deputy Inspector said they received information about 40 Kanwariyas stranded on the way to Gaumukh. The SDRF team walked 8 kilometres to start the evacuation.
The accident occurred near Chidwasa, 9 km ahead of Gangotri. The water level in the Chidwasa drain rose due to melting ice. This damaged a temporary wooden bridge, and two Kanwariyas crossing it were swept away. The police, forest department, and SDRF team are on-site for the search and repair of the bridge.
