A major tragedy was averted at the historic Gurudwara Shri Reetha Sahib during the ongoing ‘Jod Mela’ in Uttarakhand’s Champawat district, after sudden rising water levels in the Ladhiya river left more than 50 devotees stranded. Swift action by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) ensured that all affected pilgrims were safely rescued without any loss of life.

The incident took place during the three-day annual fair held at Gurudwara Shri Reetha Sahib, which commemorates Guru Nanak Dev’s visit and attracts nearly two lakh devotees every year. On Sunday, a large group of pilgrims had gathered near the river confluence of Ladhiya and Ratiya to take a holy bath before offering prayers, when unexpected heavy rainfall caused a sudden surge in water levels.

The rapid rise in the river triggered panic among devotees, many of whom found themselves trapped in the middle of the water body. Eyewitnesses said that over 50 to 60 people were forced to take refuge on a small structure within the river as the current intensified, making it difficult for them to return to safety on their own.

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Upon receiving information about the emergency, SDRF teams quickly reached the site and launched a coordinated rescue operation. Personnel carefully navigated the strong currents and successfully evacuated all stranded devotees to safer ground. In addition to rescuing individuals, the team also assisted in moving several vehicles that had become stuck in the riverbed due to the sudden flooding.

Local police and traffic authorities also responded promptly by placing barricades and restricting further movement into the river area to prevent additional risk. Their joint efforts with the SDRF and district administration ensured that the situation was brought under control efficiently and that no casualties were reported despite the dangerous conditions.

SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi said that rescue teams had already been deployed in anticipation of large crowds and changing weather conditions, which helped enable a rapid response. Officials later praised the coordinated efforts of all agencies involved, stating that preparedness and timely action played a crucial role in preventing what could have been a major disaster during the religious gathering.

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