Swift action by 114 RCC Men saved lives in Midnight Rescue-Op
Leh, Jul 22: In a dramatic turn of events along the treacherous Nimmu-Padum-Darcha (NPD) route, the Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of Leh, Tashi Gyalson, was rescued from a vehicle that plunged into the Zanskar River on July 20 while en route to the Karsha Photang inauguration ceremony.
The vehicle, carrying Gyalson and his security personnel, lost control on the rugged mountainous track and slipped into the icy river waters. The route, known for its unforgiving terrain and sudden weather shifts, turned perilous as the convoy approached a particularly challenging section.
Upon receiving word of the mishap, Officer Commanding 114 Road Construction Company (RCC), Major Ajay Kumar Chand, sprang into action. Accompanied by Motor Transport Driver Patil Umesh Bhagwan, the pair rushed to the scene with no concern for their personal safety. What followed was a bold rescue in fast-moving, bone-chilling waters, where time and current were the enemy.
Major Chand and Driver Bhagwan reached the submerged vehicle under extremely dangerous conditions. Battling the strong river flow, they managed to reach Gyalson and his team, pulling each person to safety with remarkable speed and coordination. The rescue was executed with surgical precision, drawing on extensive training and a spirit of duty deeply ingrained in the personnel of the 114 RCC.
Tashi Gyalson, visibly moved, extended heartfelt thanks to his rescuers. “Their courage and swift action saved our lives. I am deeply grateful,” he remarked, recalling the ordeal. He also acknowledged the professionalism and readiness of the rescue team, whose efforts averted a potential tragedy.
The operation shines a spotlight on the critical emergency response infrastructure in place along the high-altitude roads of Ladakh. As infrastructure projects continue to expand into the region’s remote corners, the role of organizations like the 114 RCC remains vital to ensuring safety and continuity.
As news of the rescue spreads, it serves as a reminder of the perils faced by travelers in these formidable landscapes—and of the unflinching commitment of those who stand ready to answer the call when disaster strikes.
