Dehradun, March 3: Officials involved in the extensive rescue operation at Mana, Chamoli, described their nearly three-day effort to save trapped workers from an avalanche site as immensely challenging. Extreme weather conditions, including continuous snowfall and temperatures plunging between minus 10 and 15 degrees Celsius, made the rescue operation particularly difficult.
In total, 46 trapped workers were successfully rescued alive from deep layers of snow, while eight others tragically lost their lives. Rescuers recovered four bodies on Saturday and another four on Sunday.
“Highly Challenging Operation,” says ITBP DIG Manu Maharaj
Detailing the complexity of the rescue operation, ITBP Deputy Inspector General Manu Maharaj noted, "The operation in Mana lasted three days. It was highly challenging as the climatic conditions were adverse. Multiple agencies involved in the operation had to combat sub-zero temperatures hovering around minus 10 to 15 degrees Celsius and continuous snowfall to rescue such a large number of trapped workers after the avalanche."
Maharaj further mentioned that even the roads leading to Mana were blocked, adding to logistical difficulties. Despite the tough circumstances, the mission was successfully completed, he affirmed.
District Magistrate Commends Coordination Among Agencies
Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari praised the joint rescue operation by multiple agencies, emphasizing that their close coordination was crucial to achieving success.
"Without the coordinated joint effort of the Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the operation carried out in inclement weather would not have been completed in record time," Tiwari said.
The body of the last missing labourer was retrieved Sunday evening and brought by helicopter to Jyotirmath on Monday. Authorities will hand over the body to the deceased's family following a post-mortem and completion of formalities, said Tiwari.
Minister Visits Injured Workers at AIIMS Rishikesh
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand cabinet minister Premchand Agarwal visited two critically injured workers, identified as Ashok and Pawan, currently undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the workers and their families, Agarwal stated, "I have met injured workers named Ashok and Pawan and also their families. I have talked to the doctors. They are taking good care of them. I pray for their total recovery."
The successful conclusion of the challenging rescue operation highlights the determination and resilience of the rescue teams working under extreme weather conditions in Uttarakhand’s mountainous regions.
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