Gangtok: Beyond securing India’s borders, the Indian Army stands as a lifeline for civilians trapped in natural and man-made disasters. This was vividly demonstrated in Operation Himrahat, a high-altitude rescue mission in the rugged Himalayan ranges of East Sikkim, where troops braved treacherous terrain and extreme weather to evacuate dozens of stranded tourists and locals amid heavy snowfall and landslides on February 22.
In a swift and coordinated response to heavy snowfall in the high-altitude areas of East Sikkim, troops of the Indian Army launched a rescue operation under Operation Himrahat on 22 Feb to assist stranded locals and tourists facing extreme weather conditions.
Due to sudden and intense snowfall accompanied by sub-zero temperatures, several tourist vehicles were halted along vulnerable stretches of road, leaving civilians exposed to harsh climatic conditions.
Demonstrating prompt action and operational readiness, Indian Army troops moved swiftly to the affected areas and initiated relief and rescue measures.
A total of 46 tourists were safely rescued and shifted to the nearest Army camp. At the camp, they were provided immediate medical examination, warm shelter, hot meals, heating arrangements and essential relief materials to mitigate the effects of extreme cold and altitude-related stress. The medical teams ensured that all rescued individuals were stable and adequately cared for before further movement, said Lt. Col Mahindra Rawat, PRO Defence.
In addition to the evacuation of stranded tourists, the Army facilitated the safe and orderly movement of more than 150 tourist vehicles to secure locations. The coordinated effort ensured traffic regulation, prevented panic, and minimised the risk of further exposure in the high-altitude terrain.
The operation reflects the Indian Army’s continued commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) in remote and challenging terrains. Operating in extreme weather and high-altitude conditions, troops remain prepared round-the-clock to assist citizens and visitors in times of distress.
The timely intervention under Operation Himrahat ensured safety, restored mobility in the affected region, and prevented escalation of the situation amidst inclement weather conditions. The Indian Army has on numerous occasions rescued hundreds of tourists and locals from difficult terrain amid adverse weather.
