A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway in Uttarakhand after two trekkers went missing on separate trekking routes in the state. Rescue teams from multiple agencies have been deployed, but challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions have made the operation difficult, reports The New Indian Express.
The missing trekkers have been identified as Babita Pandey from Nainital and Vishesh Chauhan from Noida. Both disappeared in different districts while trekking in the Himalayan region.
Woman Goes Missing During Dayara Bugyal Trek
The first incident was reported from Uttarkashi district, where 30-year-old Babita Pandey went missing while trekking to Dayara Bugyal, one of Uttarakhand's most popular alpine meadows. She had started the trek from Raithal village with two companions but reportedly got separated from the group during the journey.
After authorities were informed about her disappearance, the Forest Department, local administration, police, and SDRF teams launched a search operation across the Dayara Bugyal region and nearby forest areas.
According to officials, the two male trekkers accompanying her were located safely, but Babita still remains untraced. Search teams have been combing trails, campsites, and dense forest stretches in the area.
Search Team Reaches Campsite Area
A 17-member joint rescue team was rushed to the region after an alert was received late at night. However, darkness and difficult mountain terrain slowed the initial operation. The team resumed its efforts at first light.
Sub-Inspector Gabbar Singh, who is leading the operation, said, "Our teams have reached the 'Ghoi' area, where the trekking group had established a campsite."
Noida Trekker Missing Near Pindari Glacier
In a separate incident, rescue teams are searching for Vishesh Chauhan, a trekker from Noida who went missing near the Pindari Glacier route in Bageshwar district. Chauhan was trekking with a local porter when he reportedly got separated during the return journey and failed to reach the designated base point.
The disappearance was reported to authorities on the night of May 29, following which the SDRF launched a search and rescue mission.
Camera Recovered, Trekker Still Untraced
During the operation, rescue personnel used rope techniques to descend approximately 60 to 70 metres into a suspected location identified by the guide. While Chauhan has not yet been found, search teams recovered his camera near the search zone.
The recovery prompted rescuers to expand the operation along the banks of the Pinder River and adjoining forest areas.
Heavy Rain and Tough Terrain Slow Rescue Efforts
Officials say continuous rainfall and rapidly changing weather conditions have become the biggest challenge in both rescue operations. In some areas, search activities had to be temporarily suspended due to safety concerns before being resumed when conditions improved.
SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi said, "We received information from the Kapkot police station on Friday night. Chauhan, who was accompanied by a local porter, reportedly got separated during their descent and failed to return to the base as scheduled. We immediately dispatched an SDRF team to initiate a search."
A rescue official also noted, "Safety is paramount. The extreme weather conditions have made it impossible to push further into the high-altitude zones for the time being."
Search Operations Continue
Authorities have confirmed that search efforts are continuing at both locations. SDRF personnel, local police teams, forest officials, and other agencies remain on the ground as they work to locate the missing trekkers.
Officials said additional efforts will be intensified as soon as weather conditions become more favourable.
