Latest news with #UttarakhandStateDisasterResponseForce
Time of India
16-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
60 rescued in 6 days as kanwariyas test Ganga's depth
Dehradun: Every monsoon, as the Ganga roars through Haridwar, the river draws more than just reverence during Shravan. Kanwariyas throng its banks to collect holy water, but some, swept up in the moment, or perhaps by sheer impulse, end up diving straight into its churning depths. Call it faith, bravado, or sheer daredevilry, but once again this year, scores of pilgrims have had to be fished out by the Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), whose annual pre-kanwar warning, "Don't jump in if you can't swim", rings out like a ritual chant. But few heed the message. Despite repeated announcements, hazard signs, and police interventions, many still leap in, armed with zero swimming skills, no life jackets, and a misplaced sense of invincibility. In just six days since the yatra began, around 60 kanwariyas have been rescued, one has drowned, and another remains missing. Over the past three years, SDRF has pulled 430 pilgrims from the brink. "It's like clockwork," said one weary SDRF jawan, ankle-deep in the river currents with a rescue rope and the expression of a man who's seen it all before. "We're not rescuing swimmers. We're rescuing floaters with supreme confidence and zero training. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Đây có thể là thời điểm tốt nhất để giao dịch vàng trong 5 năm qua IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo " Gokul, a kanwariya from Haryana, dripping and dazed after being hauled from the river near Har Ki Pauri on Tuesday, declared, "Ganga maa bulati hai" (Mother Ganga calls me). An onlooker, however, clarified that it was actually his friend who dared him to jump for a video. Calling the yatra one of the most challenging operations of the year, SDRF commandant Arpan Yadhuvanshi said about 60 trained personnel have been posted along both riverbanks, as pilgrims are known to leap from anywhere, at any time: day or night. Most rescues happen near Kangra Ghat, Premnagar Ashram, and Har Ki Pauri, zones of "chronic aquatic overenthusiasm," as authorities now wryly put it. SDRF has staged mock drills, stationed speedboats, rafts, and throw bags at key points, and pleaded with devotees to avoid turning devotion into disaster. Still, the same scenes replay every year. Local priest Ujjwal Pandit offered perhaps the most fitting line: "Faith can move mountains. But sometimes, it just jumps into rivers."
India Gazette
03-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Uttarakhand SDRF rescues two stranded pilgrims near Lincholi, during their return from Kedarnath
Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand) [India], June 3 (ANI): Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on Tuesday rescued two tourists stranded near the Chhoti Lincholi glacier point on their way back from Kedarnath, said an official statement. The incident occurred after the pilgrims, returning from their visit to Kedarnath Dham, attempted to take a shortcut and lost their way. The SDRF team, led by Sub Inspector Jitendra Singh from Post Lincholi, received the alert from the Disaster Control Room, Rudraprayag, and immediately mobilised to the location. Upon arrival, the team initiated a search operation and soon located the stranded individuals on a rocky hillside along the riverbank. According to people at the scene, a group of five pilgrims had deviated from the main route in an attempt to descend quickly via an uncharted path along the river. While three of them managed to return safely, two people named Dharamveer (28) and Shaili Singh (27), both residents of Delhi were trapped on a rocky hill as there was no further path. The situation was further complicated by continuous rainfall, which left the two youths drenched and suffering from the cold. Their condition was deteriorating rapidly due to prolonged exposure to the cold. With prudence and promptness, the SDRF team rescued both people safely and brought them to a safe place, where they were provided with necessary assistance and medical care. Kedarnath Dham Yatra is one of the most difficult religious pilgrimages in the country. After crossing a difficult walking route of about 20 kilometres, one can have darshan of the 11th Jyotilinga situated in the lap of the Himalayan mountains. Horses and mules play a very important role in this difficult religious journey on foot. Incapable and elderly devotees often travel through them, while food items and other essential items are transported to the Yatra route and Kedarpuri by these horses and mules. For the year 2025, the doors of Baba Kedarnath Dham were opened for the devotees on May 2. One month has passed since the doors of Baba were opened. On Sunday, June 1, the number of devotees visiting Baba Kedarnath Dham has crossed 7 lakh. If the average of the last one month is taken, then 24 thousand devotees have reached Kedarpuri for Baba's darshan every day. So far more than seven lakh devotees have reached Shri Kedarnath Dham. (ANI)
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
U'khand SDRF conquers unclimbed Nilapani Peak
Dehradun: A 20-member mountaineering team from the Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) scaled the previously unclimbed Nilapani Peak , standing at 6,054m, in the remote Nelang Valley of Uttarkashi district . SDRF said that these expeditions are part of the govt's commitment to promoting adventure sports and tourism in the state's rich Himalayan landscapes and mountain ranges. The expedition, flagged off by SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi on April 5, reached the summit on Friday, marking a major milestone in the force's high-altitude operational capabilities. Yaduvanshi commended the "discipline and devotion" shown throughout the mission. He added that the SDRF plans to undertake further mountaineering and skill development expeditions across various Himalayan regions in Aug and Sept, aiming to put Uttarakhand's adventure potential on the global map. Uttarakhand DGP Deepam Seth called the achievement "a proud moment for the Uttarakhand Police," while applauding the team for their courage and dedication. IG SDRF Arun Mohan Joshi praised the team's preparedness and cohesion, saying that the ascent demonstrated SDRF's ability to perform "not just during disasters, but in every circumstance." The expedition was led by SI Manoj Rawat, with deputy leader Sachin Rawat, climbing leader Virendra Kala, communications specialist Manoj Kumar, fireman Ravi Chauhan, and 15 other members forming the core team. Manoj Rawat described the climb as "a test of courage, endurance, and teamwork," highlighting challenges such as extreme altitude, blizzards, and oxygen shortages. He credited the team's success to their "unwavering resolve" in overcoming each challenge.
