PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
A major accident was avoided during the famous Jod Mela at Shri Reetha Sahib Gurudwara in Champawat after the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) safely rescued more than 50 devotees trapped in a swollen river on Sunday.
According to SDRF officials, a large number of devotees had gathered at the fair and were taking a holy dip at the confluence of the Ladhiya and Ratiya rivers before visiting the Gurudwara. However, rainfall in the area caused the river’s water level to rise suddenly, leaving around 50 to 60 devotees stranded in the middle of the river. Several vehicles also got stuck in the rising water, creating panic among the visitors.
An SDRF team had already been deployed at the fair as a precaution due to the large crowd and changing weather conditions, officials said. As soon as the situation became serious, the team led by sub inspector Deepak Samant reached the spot and started a rescue operation.
Despite the strong water flow and difficult conditions, the SDRF personnel safely evacuated all the stranded devotees. The team also helped move trapped vehicles to safer places. Local police and traffic police were informed immediately and barriers were placed to stop people from entering the dangerous area.
Officials said that due to the quick response and coordination between the SDRF, police and local administration, all the trapped people were rescued safely and no casualties were reported.
SDRF commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi commended the rescue team for its alertness and dedication. He said the advance deployment of SDRF personnel helped ensure a quick response during the emergency. “All SDRF units across the State are on high alert due to the ongoing rainfall,” he added.
