Army to the Rescue: Tourists Stranded in Sikkim due to Heavy Snowfall get Saved

Earlier, on 12 March, the Army, in collaboration with civil police and administration, rescued 370 tourists who were returning from Natu La & Tsomgo (Changgu) Lake and got stuck due to heavy snowfall. The Army launched a rescue mission called Operation Himrahat and provided shelter, warm clothing, medical aid, and hot meals to the stranded tourists. Detailed coordination was done with the General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF) for road opening in the morning, and by 9 am on 12 March, the road was cleared to enable the movement of vehicles to Gangtok. The quick reaction by the troops ensured early clearance of the road and provided relief and comfort to the stranded tourists. The Army has always been proactive in providing assistance to tourists and the local population in Super High-Altitude areas of the Himalayas, the statement stressed. The stranded tourists and the civil administration of Sikkim expressed their gratitude for the timely relief provided by the Army.