|
Consequent to the flash floods that occurred in June 05, the strategic road communication to Puh Sector of Himachal Pradesh was disrupted. Army was requested to restore this vital communication lifeline. This involved construction of three bridges and resurfacing extensive portions of the damaged National Highway 22.
An Engineer Task Force led by Lt Colonel Amardeep Singh was responsible for constructing a 200 ft long bailey bridge at Kharo on River Satluj since 24 August 05. Strategically, this bridge was the main link from Reckong Po to the upper areas of Puh, Sumdo and Kinnaur, therefore, the construction task was being undertaken against all odds of difficult terrain and inclement weather conditions.
On 08 September 05, while the decking work on the bridge was being carried out by the Task Force, the bridge collapsed. Two Officers, One JCO and 31 Other Ranks of the Engineer Task Force fell into the river and are feared to have been swept away.
Immediate rescue efforts were put into place
(a) 08 September.
· Two cheetah helicopters of Army Aviation, ex Jalandhar, were moved to the area.
· Two MI-17 helicopters were also moved for rescue operations along with Special Forces divers from Nahan and one medical team.
· Search and rescue teams, comprising Army and ITBP personnel, were deployed along the river. Various look out parties were also positioned at Kharo, Powari, Karcham, Bhawanagar, Rampur and Nogli.
· Three out of the four gates of Jakhri Dam (located 75 km downstream near Rampur) were temporarily closed, to prevent the personnel from being swept further downstream.
· Civilian and military ambulances were moved for rescue operations
· Senior Army Officers moved to the accident site, to assess the situation and direct rescue operations.
(b) 09 September.
· A helicopter carrying medical team has taken off ex Chandigarh for Karcham.
· A Naval divers team is being diverted to Karcham from Chamba
· Certain heavy cranes are being moved to site to assist in recovering the debris of the bridges.
· One AN 32 aircraft from Agra to Chandigarh has since reached Chandigarh carrying certain essential diving equipment required by the Naval divers.
The COAS has expressed his heartfelt condolences at this tragic loss of precious lives while constructing a bridge over River Satluj. He further stated that this sacrifice has been made in the highest traditions of Indian Army, while restoring the strategic lifeline of the nation.
SKS/RKJ
|
