Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], August 24 (HBTV): The Indian Army has recovered the body of Havildar Pankaj, who went missing after being swept away by a strong flow of water and debris near Tamak Nala in Uttarakhand's Joshimath area, ending a 12-day search operation.
The sudden rise in water levels due to heavy rainfall in the Niti Valley region also washed away the Bailey bridge built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) over the nala along the strategically important Jyotirmath-Malari/Niti motor road.
Pankaj, a driver posted with the 123 Unit of the Border Roads Organisation, went missing after being caught in the strong current triggered by heavy rainfall. Following the incident, Indian Army teams launched a large-scale search operation despite challenging weather, strong water currents and difficult terrain.
According to the PRO and Spokesperson, MoD, Dehradun Region, Pankaj was recovered on August 22 after 12 days of relentless search efforts, bringing closure to his family.
Earlier, on August 18, a large-scale search and rescue operation was underway under the direction of the district administration to trace Havildar Pankaj near Tamak Nala, close to Long Segdi village in Joshimath tehsil.
Rescue teams from the district administration, police, SDRF, NDRF, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Garhwal Rifles were deployed at the site. Teams meticulously searched debris, water channels, riverbanks and other possible locations around the stream. (ANI)