Uttarkashi: Forty trekkers stranded in the high Himalayan region of Uttarkashi were safely evacuated by helicopter on Monday as authorities launched a large-scale rescue operation following a sudden deterioration in weather. The trekkers were rescued from the Udan Kol and Kalindi base camps and brought to Harsil.
The helicopter rescue operation began at around 9 am after weather conditions improved. Around eight helicopters, including those operated with the support of UCADA and a private company, were deployed for the evacuation. Each flight carried four to five trekkers from the high-altitude camps to Harsil.
According to the Disaster Management Centre, 29 trekkers were evacuated from the Udan Kol Pass base camp, while 11 were brought down from the Kalindi Trek base camp. However, worsening weather conditions after 2 pm forced authorities to suspend the aerial rescue operation. The operation is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, subject to weather conditions.
96 trekkers and mountaineers still stranded
A total of 136 mountaineers and trekkers became stranded in the high Himalayan region after weather conditions changed suddenly over the weekend. Of these, 89 were part of high-altitude expeditions, while 47 were undertaking high-altitude trekking.
In the trekking category, 18 people were stranded at the Kalindi Pass base camp, of whom 11 have now been rescued. All 29 trekkers stranded at the Udan Kol Pass base camp have also been evacuated.
This leaves 96 trekkers and mountaineers still awaiting rescue. The district administration has made Harsil the base camp for the ongoing operation, from where the rescued people are being brought for further assistance.
Rescue teams kept on alert
District Magistrate Prashant Arya had directed officials to keep helicopter services on alert and begin an aerial rescue operation whenever weather conditions allowed. Considering the continuing weather uncertainty, teams from the ITBP, NDRF, SDRF and Gangotri National Park have also been kept on alert for possible ground rescue operations.
Arya said the administration was coordinating the rescue operation from Harsil and working to evacuate all stranded trekkers and mountaineers safely.
DM and SP review rescue operation in Harsil
District Magistrate Prashant Arya and Superintendent of Police Kamlesh Upadhyay reached the Army helipad at Harsil on Monday to review the rescue operation.
They received updates from the joint teams of the police, Army, Air Force, SDRF, NDRF and disaster management department involved in the operation. Officials briefed them about the current locations of the stranded trekkers, weather conditions and the available aerial and ground rescue routes.
A 15-member special SDRF team from Dehradun is also participating in the operation under the leadership of Circle Officer Sanjay Upreti, SP Kamlesh Upadhyay said.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is also monitoring the rescue operation and has directed officials to ensure that all necessary resources are made available for the safe evacuation of the stranded trekkers.
Where 89 mountaineers remain stranded
The 89 mountaineers involved in high-altitude expeditions are stranded at different base camps:
- Mount Sudarshan: 12 at Tapovan Base Camp
- Mount Bhagirathi II: 20 at Raktvan Base Camp
- Mount Bhagirathi II: 9 at Nandanvan
- Mount Jogin I: 8
- Mount Shivling: 5 at Tapovan Base Camp
- Mount Shivling: 8
- Mount Satopanth: 9 at Vasuki Tal Base
- Shrikanth Peak: 18 at Shrikanth Base
