In a tragic incident, nine trekkers from Karnataka lost their lives in Uttarakhand due to severe weather conditions, officials confirmed on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. The trekking expedition, organized by the Himalayan View Trekking Agency, commenced on May 29 and included 18 trekkers from Karnataka, one from Maharashtra, and three local guides.
The Incident
The 22-member team embarked on a challenging 35-km trek from Uttarkashi, aiming to explore the scenic yet treacherous high-altitude region of Shastratal Mayali. According to Uttarkashi District Magistrate Meharban Singh Bisht, the group was caught off guard by a sudden blizzard while attempting to return to their base camp.
Rescue Operations
The severe weather, characterized by heavy snowfall and poor visibility, made the return journey perilous. At around 2 PM, the trekkers found themselves stranded due to the deteriorating weather conditions. Immediate rescue efforts were initiated involving the Uttarakhand government, the Mountaineering Federation of India, and the Home Department of the Central Government. Despite these efforts, the adverse weather hampered the rescue operation, leading to the unfortunate demise of nine trekkers. The Principal Secretary in the Revenue Department, Rashmi Mahesh, initially reported four fatalities, but the death toll rose as rescue teams continued their efforts.
Government Response
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of Karnataka has directed officials to take all necessary actions to rescue the remaining trekkers and ensure the bodies of the deceased are brought back to the state promptly. In response, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda travelled to Dehradun to oversee and coordinate the ongoing rescue operation. In an official statement, Minister Gowda expressed his condolences and emphasized the government's commitment to the rescue mission. He highlighted the swift coordination between state and central agencies to address the crisis.
Conclusion
This tragic event underscores the unpredictable and dangerous nature of high-altitude trekking, especially under extreme weather conditions. As the rescue operation continues, the authorities urge trekkers to remain vigilant and heed weather warnings to prevent such incidents in the future.
