Uttrakhand: Rescue Efforts for Stranded Kedarnath Pilgrims Continue; Over 10,500 Evacuated After Three Days
The operation to rescue stranded pilgrims along the rain-ravaged trek route to the Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand is still on. Efforts have entered the third day, bringing hope and relief to thousands. With the weather conditions causing disruption of a high magnitude, over 10,500 people have been evacuated to safe areas so far with operations involving air force helicopters and ground teams.
Ground Reality
This yatra, considered to be close to the hearts of many devotees across the country, has been battered by incessant rainfall and landslides, which have blocked access routes. Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna said on Sunday that nearly 1,300 pilgrims are stranded at different places, which includes Kedarnath, Bhimbali, and Gaurikund. Fortunately, all stranded people are reportedly safe, with rescue teams putting their best efforts to bring them to safety.
The SDRF, NDRF, and local police have pressed all resources to ensure the smooth execution of the rescue operation. On Friday itself, a few pilgrims were airlifted from hazardous areas by the Indian Air Force’s advanced Chinook and MI-17 helicopters, which showcased the concerned authorities’ commitment to ensuring safety of the lives in peril.
Rumors of Missing Persons Brought Down
To allay fears over the pilgrims’ safety, Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police (SP) Vishakha Ashok Bhadane faced the media and scotched rumors of a large number of missing persons following the cloudburst near the trek route. “Almost all reported individuals have reached home,” she asserted and appealed to the public not to believe in unverified information.
She conceded that because of the powerful rain, there was likely no or little network coverage for most, and this would make them unable to communicate with their families, and for this reason, some would unnecessarily worry. She added that all the authorities were putting all efforts to ensure that the stranded pilgrims return home safely and sound and updates will be communicated as and when available.
Tragic Loss and Ongoing Challenges
The tragedy struck during the rescue operations. A pilgrim, Shubham Kashyap, was swept away by a landslide that occurred near Tharu camp at Lincholi on Friday. Shubham Kashyap, resident of Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, was declared dead by District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar. Near his body, two mobile phones were found, which have been handed over to the Lincholi police outpost for further investigation.
The trek route to the Kedarnath temple is still blocked with boulders at several places, including Ghoraparav, Lincholi, Badi Lincholi, and Bhimbali. Efforts are on to clear these boulders, but the area is full of slopes and is quite dangerous for rescue teams to move safely.
Advisory for Pilgrims
At present, the yatra to Kedarnath has been stalled because of the prevailing situation, and the administration of has disseminated important advisories, warning the pilgrims to not move out but stay in their places until the routes are cleared and safe to travel. This warning step, indeed, will prove important in interest to all.
Two helpline numbers have been issued by the authorities: 7579257572, 01364-233387, along with an emergency contact number, 112, to help people with information on their stranded relatives. The aim is to bring out the information and enable the families whose heads, parents, children, or loved ones are missing or stranded to feel relieved and assured.
Community Support
The sustained rescue operation has brought forward the resilience and unity of the community and authorities in times of adversity. Volunteers, local organizations, and rescue teams have pitched in their joint efforts to ease stranded pilgrims by providing food, shelter, and medical aid, truly reflecting the human spirit in solidarity with the people in times of disaster.
The organizations are equally set by the zeal brought forth by the rescue teams and diverse bodies of the government, serving as a stern reminder of the organized response to natural adverse occurrences. It is still hard to find a solution, although their concerted efforts are opening up clear ways for a gradual resolvement of the crisis.
Conclusion
While all efforts were being mobilized to carry out the rescue of stranded pilgrims in Kedarnath, the resolute firm determination of the authorities and local communities never failed. More than 10,500 people have been evacuated, while efforts continue along with operations to extract the stranded, giving hope in the face of challenges set by nature.
As the situation developed, the focus must be on ensuring the safety of all pilgrims. This tragic loss of life should simply remind that in similar journeys, there are always risks and, at times, how necessary preparedness is coupled with caution in adverse weather.
But it’s only the joint efforts of rescue teams, the assistance of locals, and the unbending determination of the pilgrims that in the future, Kedarnath again becomes a place of worship accruing an indelible experience in the minds of them.
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