Introduction:
Doda/Jammu: In a display of grit against nature, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully rescued 60 individuals, including 40 soldiers of the Rashtriya Rifles, who were left stranded in a freezing whiteout in Jammu & Kashmir’s Doda district. The high-altitude rescue operation at 10,500 feet concluded successfully on Tuesday, preventing a potential tragedy after a relentless 40-hour snowstorm buried the route.
The Crisis at Chattergala Pass
The incident occurred on the strategic Bhaderwah-Chatergala axis, a vital link that was completely cut off by heavy precipitation.
- The Trap: A convoy comprising 40 personnel of the 4 Rashtriya Rifles and 20 civilians got stuck as snow levels rose to a staggering 5 to 6 feet.
- The Response: Personnel from the 118 Road Construction Company (RCC) (under 35 BRTF of Project Sampark) launched an immediate mobilization on the morning of January 24.
The 40-Hour Battle
Braving sub-zero temperatures and zero visibility, the BRO team worked round-the-clock.
- Clearance: Specialized machinery was used to cut through 38 km of road buried under snow.
- Success: The route was finally reopened by the evening of January 25, allowing the safe evacuation of all soldiers, civilians, their weapons, and supplies by the early hours of January 26.
- Outcome: No casualties were reported.
Second Rescue in Rajouri
Simultaneously, the BRO executed another critical operation in the Pir Panjal region.
- Kandi-Kotranka Axis: Heavy snow (up to 3 feet) had cut off the Kandi-Kotranka subdivision from Rajouri town, affecting medical emergency services.
- Project Sampark Action: The 110 RCC (under 31 BRTF) cleared the road within 14 hours, restoring a single lane for emergency vehicles before fully restoring 35 km of the road within 24 hours.
Key Highlights: The Scale of Challenge
- Altitude: 10,500 feet (Chattergala).
- Snow Depth: 6 feet.
- Duration: 48+ hours of non-stop work (Mobilization to Completion).
- Units Involved: Project Sampark (118 RCC & 110 RCC).
FAQ Section
A: While the rescue was successful, the road remains highly dangerous due to slippery conditions and frost. Civilian travel is restricted.
A: They are a specialized counter-insurgency force of the Indian Army, often operating in the challenging terrain of J&K.
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