Dharamshala: A total of 413 pilgrims stranded during the Kinner Kailash Yatra were rescued last night by personnel of the 14 Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) following a flash flood at Tangling Nallah in Kalpa, Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh.
Baljinder Singh, Commanding Officer of the 14 Bn NDRF, stationed at the force’s headquarters in Jassure, Kangra district, told UNI that the unit received a telephonic requisition from the Assistant Commissioner to the Deputy Commissioner of Kinnaur.
The officials reported that a sudden flash flood had washed away a crucial footbridge, leaving several pilgrims stranded as water levels surged dangerously.
Responding swiftly, an NDRF rescue team from the NDRF was mobilised from PPT Urni in Kinnaur. Despite facing rugged terrain and inclement weather, the team reached the affected site at around 11:30 pm on August 5.
In a coordinated overnight operation with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the NDRF team successfully rescued all 413 stranded pilgrims. The operation concluded at 3:30 am on August 6.
“This successful rescue once again reflects NDRF’s commitment and professionalism in ensuring the safety of lives during emergencies, especially in the challenging Himalayan terrain,” Singh said.
