Bargarh: A harrowing situation unfolded on Wednesday evening in the Gandhamardan Hills near Harishankar, as a group of seventeen tourists found themselves stranded after losing their way amidst torrential rainfall and rapidly fading light.
The trekkers, who had embarked from the Harishankar foothills with the aim of reaching the Nrusinghanath Temple on the opposite side of the range, reportedly veered off course near the Kapildhara waterfall, approximately 1.5 km from the main trail. The sudden downpour rendered the terrain treacherous and visibility severely hampered, contributing to their disorientation.
Local authorities promptly utilized mobile tracking to pinpoint the group’s approximate location, initiating an immediate rescue operation. Personnel from the Odisha Police, Fire Services, and local temple staff were mobilized for the mission. However, the dense forest cover, continuous rainfall, and frequent lightning strikes posed significant challenges, impeding initial rescue efforts.
As the rain subsided late into the night, rescue operations resumed with renewed vigor. As of the latest update, the stranded tourists were yet to be evacuated, with the dedicated teams working tirelessly to reach them.
Coordinating the challenging rescue operations was Himanshu Kumar Lal, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Northern Range. Known for his “daredevil pursuits to save lives,” Shri Lal was previously honored by the State Government for his pivotal role in the Bahanaga Rail Tragedy rescue operations, where his leadership and strategic coordination were instrumental in saving numerous lives. SP Bargarh Pralhad Meena was continiously working with the forces to rescue the trekkers.
ACS Home, Satyabrata Sahu talked to IGP Shri Lal and appreciated his efforts in rescuing the hapless trekkers.
Authorities have issued a strong advisory to trekkers, urging extreme caution, especially during the ongoing monsoon season. Visitors are advised to strictly adhere to designated trails and register their treks in advance with the local administration to ensure their safety and facilitate timely assistance in unforeseen circumstances.
The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of the Gandhamardan Hills, particularly during adverse weather conditions.DGP Y B Khurania was continiously monitoing the rescue process. The rescued tourists thanked Odisha Government and Odisha Police for State Support.