SDRF rescues two stranded pilgrims
DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand state disaster response force (SDRF) rescued two pilgrims stranded near Mandakini river near Kedarnath shrine on Friday, officials said on Saturday.
According to the SDRF, two pilgrims identified as Ramdas Pathare and Yashwant Dabhare, both residents of Pune, were stranded near the river while trying to return to Gaurikund base about 12 km from Kedarnath shrine.
SDRF media in charge Lalita Negi said, “On Friday, the SDRF base at Lincholi area enroute Kedarnath pilgrimage trekking route was informed that two pilgrims are stranded near Mandakini river in Garudchatti area after one of them suffered a fracture in his leg.”
“A SDRF team then soon left to the spot to find them but couldn’t while scanning the area near the river. Then it got to know that the incident has happened near Choti Lincholi area. The team reached there only to see two pilgrims stuck on the opposite side of river. It then rescued them with the help of ropes,” said Negi.
She said later on being enquired, the two informed that they tried to return to Gaurikund by trying to walk nearby the river thinking it will save them time. “They didn’t take the usual trek route to save time and lost their way while walking near the river. Fortunately, they were rescued and taken to the nearby health care centre,” said Negi.
PILGRIMS DIDN’T TAKE THE USUAL ROUTE TO SAVE TIME BUT LOST THEIR WAY
DEHRADUN: Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj on Saturday while inaugurating the Khatling Tourism Development Fair in Ghansali tehsil of Tehri Garhwal district, 105 km from Dehradun, announced that the fair would now be a state fair.
Maharaj made the declaration while saying the state fair would now increase its magnitude which will help in developing the tourism in the area.
“The tourism department will also work on developing the Khatling glacier to put it prominently on the state tourism map,” said Maharaj.
On the occasion, he also laid foundation of several road projects in the area including Chamba-Mussoorie-Chopdiyalgaon, Lata-Sitalkot-Bhatgaon and others worth over ₹3 crore.