UTTARKASHI:

In a swift and challenging rescue operation, the Uttarakhand Forest Department safely evacuated 121 trekkers who were stranded along the high-altitude Gomukh-Tapovan trek route in the Gangotri National Park following heavy, unseasonal snowfall.

The group of 121 individuals had traveled to the pristine Gangotri and Tapovan regions for trekking and camping over the weekend. However, an abrupt and intense spell of heavy snowfall that began on Saturday afternoon severely disrupted movement, blocking trails and leaving the trekkers stranded in freezing conditions.

Rajvir Rawat, the in-charge forest guard at the Gangotri National Park's Kankhu barrier, noted that guiding the trekkers back safely became a major hurdle due to the continuous snow accumulation and heightened risks of localized avalanches along tricky mountain edges. Acting swiftly on directives from senior officials, a dedicated rescue team from the Forest Department was mobilized on Sunday.

Navigating through treacherous terrain and continuous inclement weather, the rescue personnel reached the stranded groups and meticulously escorted all 121 trekkers back to safety in Gangotri Dham by Sunday evening. All rescued individuals have since been cleared to head onward to their destinations.

Meanwhile, administrative rescue efforts have expanded to other high-altitude pockets of Uttarkashi, where another 136 individuals—including expedition members, and trekkers stationed near the Kalindi Pass and Auden’s Col Pass base camps—remain stranded. Authorities have deployed three helicopters from Harsil to fast-track their evacuation.

Simultaneously, with weather conditions improving and skies clearing up on Monday, the halted Chardham Yatra has resumed, allowing traffic to flow smoothly along the Yamunotri and Gangotri highways. District authorities continue to monitor weather patterns closely while keeping response teams on high alert.