BHADERWAH, Jan 27: In a remarkable display of grit and engineering prowess, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has executed a daring 40-hour operation amidst sub-zero temperatures to clear a 38-km road stretch buried under heavy snow at Chatergala Pass rescuing 40 army personnel and 20 civilians stranded at an altitude of 10,500 feet.
The operation, which concluded late on January 26, was carried out by the 118 Road Construction Company (RCC) under the directions of Commander 35 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) Udhampur S.K Singh in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Officer Commanding 118 RCC based at Bhadarwah Jivitesh Razora said the rescue mission was launched on January 26 after heavy snowfall triggered by a western disturbance left the strategic Chatergala Pass on the Bhaderwah-Pathankot highway completely inaccessible. The accumulating snow measuring between five to six feet, had trapped a convoy of the 4 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) along with their weapons and stores as well as several civilian vehicles.
“The 118 RCC mobilized its snow clearance machinery and manpower immediately upon receiving the distress call. The team worked relentlessly for 40 hours in freezing conditions to clear the 38 km stretch,” Razora said.
The prompt action ensured the safe evacuation of 40 troops of the 4 RR and 20 civilians who had been stranded in the hostile weather conditions without adequate supplies.
OC further said that the operation was “extremely challenging” due to high-velocity winds and low visibility.
“At 10,500 feet, the weather can turn fatal in minutes. Our men worked in shifts day and night to cut through the five-foot wall of snow. For us, the motto ‘Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam’ (Everything is achievable through hard work) is not just a slogan, but a command,” Razora explained.
The rescued civilians who were traveling from Bhaderwah to Bani-Basohli, expressed relief and gratitude towards the BRO personnel.
“We had lost all hope as the temperature was dipping rapidly and our vehicles were buried. The BRO team appeared like angels in that whiteout. They not only cleared the path but also provided us with hot tea and moral support,” said Ghulam Nabi, a local resident from Doda who was among those rescued.
A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the 4 Rashtriya Rifles who was part of the stranded convoy, commended the synergy between the agencies.
“The coordination was seamless. The clearing of the pass was critical not just for our movement but for maintaining the logistical supply lines in this sector,” he said.
The Chatergala Pass is a vital link connecting the Doda and Kathua districts and often witnesses heavy snowfall during the winter months, making maintenance a daunting task for the agencies involved.
This operation adds another feather to the cap of Project Sampark, which maintains the road network in this strategic region. “The successful evacuation reinforces the BRO’s commitment to keeping strategic axes open and saving lives, regardless of the terrain or weather,” told Zaffar Hussain Wani-a prominent Social activist of Bhadarwah.
“The BRO personnel swift action under challenging conditions was instrumental in saving the lives of our brave Army personnel while successfully securing their weapons and stores as well as rescuing civilian passengers stranded on the Bhadarwah, Bani, Basohli route.
Such dedication goes beyond the call of duty. In recognition of this selfless act of valor, I strongly demand that the administration confer a Gallantry Award upon the 118 RCC unit and its brave personnel. They have proven themselves to be the true guardians of these difficult passes, and their heroism deserves the highest official acknowledgement.” Zaffar Hussain Wani demanded.
Meanwhile, District Development Commissioner, Doda Harwinder Singh(IAS) has appreciated the efforts of BRO in rescuing the Army soldiers and civilians who had got trapped in the snow storm on vital Chattergala pass following heavy snowfall on January 23.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
