A Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) has been formed to assess the condition of a glacial lake at the origin of Kheer Ganga, located at the foothills of Shrikhand Mountain. The MRT will include officers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM).
The team will conduct reconnaissance of the site using GPS, video, and photographic technology. If weather conditions remain favorable, the team will depart on Tuesday. Inspector General of SDRF, Arun Mohan Joshi, has been appointed Incident Commander at the rescue site. On Monday, he chaired a meeting with all agency officials involved in the rescue operation.
Joshi instructed the Border Roads Organization (BRO) and the Public Works Department to expedite repairs on the damaged highway from Dharali to Gangotri. He also emphasized maintaining food quality at community kitchens set up for the affected people. Through these kitchens, SDRF has already distributed meals to thousands.
Along with NIM and NDRF, an assessment of the glacial lake will now be carried out. Previously, a drone survey was conducted along the Kheer Ganga trekking route. The upcoming survey will produce a detailed report using GPS and other advanced tools. All agencies are working in coordination to ensure the smooth execution of rescue operations. Vehicles available between Harshil and Mukhwa will operate as shuttle services, and SDRF personnel are deployed to assist incoming agencies.
