Dehradun/Uttarkashi, The body of a third trekker, who was part of a group of eight that went missing six days ago on the Kedartal route, was recovered on Wednesday, officials said.
Their identities are yet to be disclosed by the district administration. “The family members have requested the administration to give them timely information regarding the search and rescue operation. As anxious families of the missing trekkers, including five from West Bengal and two from Uttar Pradesh, began arriving in the district headquarters, Uttarkashi, officials said three bodies were taken from Kedartal to Matli, about 100 km away, in a helicopter.
Officials said 10 to 12 feet of snow has accumulated in the area due to the avalanche, hampering the rescue operations.
The team carried additional food supplies and assistance,” he said. “Every possible effort is being made through the concerted actions of all relevant departments to ensure that the operation is carried out in an organised and effective manner,” the Uttarkashi district administration said in an official statement. On Tuesday, bodies of two trekkers, a man and a woman, were found buried in an avalanche at the Kedarkhadak area, where the group had been camping on the Kedartal route. On Wednesday, an additional team of the State Disaster Response Force was sent to the site where the rescue team is stationed.
“Our administration has reached out to the distressed families in Bankura to extend all possible logistical and emotional support during this trying time. We stand firmly with the families, and no effort is being spared to ensure the safe and swift return of our Youths.
Adhikari further said that the West Bengal government is in constant touch with the Uttarakhand government and the SDRF. We pray for their safety and well-being,” Adhikari said.
