BRO's Grueling 40-Hour Snow Rescue Saves 60 at 10,500 Feet in Jammu & Kashmir
In a heroic display of endurance and dedication, personnel of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) conducted a nearly 40-hour road clearance operation through treacherous snow to rescue 60 stranded individuals at an altitude of 10,500 feet in Jammu & Kashmir's Doda district. The mission, which concluded successfully with zero casualties, underscores the immense risks and challenges of high-altitude routes in the region.
Operation Amidst Tragedy and Extreme Conditions
The rescue effort took place along the 38-kilometer Bhaderwah-Chamba road, which was buried under 5-6 feet of snow following heavy snowfall on January 23. This operation came just a day after a tragic incident in the same area, where 10 Army soldiers lost their lives and 11 others were injured when their bulletproof vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge at Khanni Top, located at 9,000 feet. The proximity of these events highlights the perilous nature of this mountainous stretch.
According to Defence Ministry spokesperson Lt Colonel Suneel Bartwal, the 118 Road Construction Company (RCC) of the 35 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) commenced the snow-clearance operation on the morning of January 24. Working in shifts around the clock, the BRO team braved sub-zero temperatures to cut through a five-foot wall of snow, ultimately opening the route by the evening of January 25.
Successful Evacuation and Professionalism
The cleared road enabled the safe evacuation of 20 stranded civilians and 40 troops of the 4 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), along with their weapons and stores. The rescue mission concluded at approximately 2:30 AM on January 26, with no casualties reported. Lt Colonel Bartwal emphasized that this outcome "underscores the professionalism and dedication of BRO personnel operating in challenging high-altitude terrain and extreme weather conditions." The operation was executed in close coordination with the Army, ensuring swift relief and the restoration of critical communication links in the region.
A senior BRO officer reflected on the team's motto, "Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam" (Everything is achievable through hard work), stating that it is not merely a slogan but a command that drives their efforts. Officials noted that at such altitudes, weather conditions can turn fatal within minutes, making the timely rescue all the more critical.
Stranded Civilians and Army Personnel Express Relief
Among those rescued were civilians traveling to Kathua district's Bani area, who had nearly lost hope as temperatures plummeted and their vehicles became buried in snow. One civilian recounted the moment the BRO team arrived, expressing immense relief. "We had lost all hope as the temperature was dipping rapidly and our vehicles were buried under snow," he said, adding that the BRO personnel not only cleared the road but also provided hot tea and moral support to the stranded individuals.
The clearance of this road was vital not only for the immediate rescue but also for maintaining supplies to surrounding areas, as Chattergala Pass lies on the boundary of Doda and Kathua districts. Additionally, the region has strategic importance, with historical use by terrorists entering Kathua from across the International Border to access the dense forests of Doda and Udhampur districts.
Additional BRO Efforts in Rajouri District
In a related development, BRO personnel undertook another significant operation in the border district of Rajouri. Following an unprecedented and sudden spell of heavy snowfall on Monday, the Rajouri-Kandi-Budhal road was blocked, disrupting movement along a critical stretch in the Pir Panjal area. This blockage cut off a major portion of the Kotranka sub-division from Rajouri town, affecting military personnel, civilians, and medical emergency cases.
The BRO launched immediate and sustained snow clearance operations, working for 14 hours to restore vital road connectivity. Their swift response allowed traffic, including emergency and essential services, to resume within this timeframe. Clearance and widening efforts continued relentlessly, with approximately 35 kilometers of road cleared and restored within 24 hours, facilitating safer and smoother movement in the region.
These operations collectively highlight the BRO's unwavering commitment to ensuring connectivity and safety in some of India's most challenging and remote terrains, often at great personal risk and under extreme weather conditions.
