21 Kanwariyas who lost their way while returning from Gangotri in northern India’s Uttarakhand were successfully rescued by the SDRF team amid heavy rainfall and challenging conditions.


The incident took place at the Budha Kedar region, which is located in the Tehri Garhwal district on July 28.


Visuals showed the rescue team worked through the night to save the stranded and lost pilgrims. Using torches and other equipment, they navigated the challenging terrain and treacherous conditions. The team carefully moved along narrow, rocky paths and crossed swollen rivers, their torches providing the only source of light in the pitch-dark surroundings. Despite the heavy rain and the difficult circumstances, the team remained focused and determined, ensuring the safety of all 21 pilgrims.


According to reports a group of 21 Kanwariyas lost their way in the Budha Kedar region while returning from Gangotri. The control room of Tehri district received the information at 21:09, which was promptly shared with the SDRF Uttarakhand Police. SDRF Sub-Inspector Deepak Joshi from Budha Kedar reported that they had received the information beforehand and were already on their way to the site.


Under the directives of Commandant SDRF Shri Manikant Mishra, a rescue team, which was already stationed in Budha Kedar due to the forecasted heavy rainfall, was deployed. Despite the difficult terrain and rising river levels, the team managed to safely extricate all 21 Kanwariyas.


The group was stranded approximately 3 kilometers from Budha Kedar at a location called Jhala. Due to poor road conditions, the SDRF team had to reach the site on foot.


By 6:12 AM on July 29, Sub-Inspector Deepak Joshi confirmed that all 21 Kanwariyas were rescued safely. The Kanwariyas included:


1. Akash Kumar, son of Talewar Singh, Sonu, son of Hansraj Singh, Sumit Kumar, son of Jaydev Singh, Akash Kumar, son of Rohtas Singh , Mohit Kumar, son of Udal Singh, Sachin Kumar, son of Tikam Singh, Sanjay Kumar, son of Harpal Singh , Saurav Kumar, son of Kalwa Singh, Mahendra Kumar, son of Hukam Singh, Parvendra, son of Khubi Singh, Bablu Kumar, son of Prem Singh, Sunil Kumar, son of Govinda, Amit Kumar Gupta, son of Shivdatt Gupta, Sushil Kumar, son of Govind Singh, Vikram Singh, son of Harpal Kumar, Manish, son of Rajesh, Lalit Kumar, son of Virendra Singh , Subhash, son of Kurri Singh, Ashish, son of Surendra Kumar, Bhupendra, son of Ramesh Chandra, Raju, son of Dalchand


The Kanwariyas were brought to Budha Kedar bus stand, where arrangements for their food and accommodation were made. The group praised Sub-Inspector Deepak Joshi and the SDRF team for their promptness and dedication. All Kanwariyas are safe and sound.