A timely intervention by local villagers helped in rescuing two missing research scholars from Panchachuli in district Pithoragarh on Sunday. Due to dense fog in Panchachuli the two scholars from Himachal Pradesh went missing since 3 August. On receiving information the Pithoragarh district administration had a dispatched a search and rescue team.
Confirming the rescue, RS Rana of district disaster management centre said, “The students are fine and safe. Reportedly missing from the Nagnidhura area in higher reaches of Munsyari, the students were found by guide and villagers of Khultham and Dhilam and they will return by Monday, with the support of local people and disaster management team.”
After research students Pradeep Sharma and Rajesh Bora, with their guide Dhan Singh Lautani, were touring the Nagnidhura area they separated from each other due to dense fog. Guide Dhan Singh made attempt to find the missing students and when he failed took help from villagers. A team of villagers, including Mahendra Bangari, Dhan Singh, Tej Singh, Manoj Singh Negi and Kedar Singh Negi joined hands to undertake the search and rescue work.
The villagers managed to find the student. According to report, Pradeep Sharma is suffering from hypothermia, while the condition of Rajesh Bora is stable. The duo will camp at Nagnidhura on Sunday. The search and rescue team of the district administration has reached Dhilam and the two research scholars are likely to be rescued by Monday.
Panchachuli is a group of five snow-capped Himalayan peaks located in Uttarakhand. Ranging from 6,334 to 6,904 metres, tourists, adventure and nature lovers visit to explore the unparallel charm of Panchachuli.