In a heroic incident, SDRF Uttarakhand Police personnel rescued 56 pilgrims (Kanwariyas) from drowning during the religious fair known as Kanwar Mela.

The incident took place at Kangra Ghat of Haridwar district on July 30.

Visuals showed rescue officials braving the river by swimming to reach stranded individuals. Simultaneously, other team members utilized lifeboats to navigate across the water, effectively extending their reach and ensuring a comprehensive rescue operation for those in need.

Speaking to Newslions, SDRF Media Co-ordinator from Uttarakhand Control Room, Lalita Negi stated that , the rescued individuals hailed from various states: 40 from Haryana, 6 from Rajasthan, 2 from Uttar Pradesh, 3 from Delhi, 1 from Uttarakhand, and 4 from Punjab.

Reportedly, with the vigilance and promptness of the SDRF, 128 Kanwariyas have been saved since the start of the Kanwar Mela. The dedication of the SDRF personnel has been appreciated by the Kanwariyas, local residents, and their families.

The rescue team included SI Pankaj Singh Kharola, Chief Constable Ashiq Ali, Constable Pradeep Rawat, Fireman Laxman Singh, Constable Anil Kotiyal, Fireman Sandeep, Sumit, and Manoj.