Doda, Jan 27:
As many as 60 people, including 40 Army soldiers, were rescued from a snowbound stretch in Doda district after being stranded due to heavy snowfall, officials said on Tuesday.
The rescue operation was carried out at the Chatergala Pass on the Bhaderwah–Chatergala axis, where several vehicles and personnel had been trapped following continuous snowfall that blocked the road connectivity. Officials said the stranded group included soldiers of a Rashtriya Rifles unit and civilian travellers.
The Border Roads Organisation undertook the rescue operation under Project Sampark, deploying men and heavy machinery to clear the snow-covered road. Officials said nearly 38 kilometres of road had to be cleared, with snow accumulation ranging between five to six feet at several points.
The operation, which began after the area received intense snowfall over the past few days, was completed without any casualties. All stranded persons were evacuated safely once the road was made motorable, officials added.
Authorities said the Chatergala Pass is prone to frequent closures during winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanches, and advisories are routinely issued to restrict movement during adverse weather conditions.
Officials commended the efforts of BRO personnel for restoring connectivity under challenging weather and terrain conditions, ensuring the safe evacuation of both soldiers and civilians. [KNT]