The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) will be launching a 34-member land expedition on Tuesday for retrieving the bodies of eight mountaineers who were stranded while attempting to scale Nanda Devi East peak in Pithoragarh district. Pithoragarh District Magistrate Vijay Kumar Jogdande said that expedition will be undertaken from June 11 till July 2, because after that the pre-monsoon period will start and the weather will be more inclement.
DM Jogdande said, “On June 5 and 6 we tried to retrieve the bodies through air operations, but the conditions were not favourable. ITBP has been requested to go by the land route and drop at the second base camp; from second base camp they will then expedite the retrieving mission. They will be procuring some equipment that is necessary for this mission for which they have asked for funds from the State government.”
He further added, “They have formed a team of nearly 34-people, who will be going to the avalanche site. Among these 18 are from ITBP and 14 include members of NDRF and SDRF.”
When asked about the Polish group that had reached the Nanda Devi East base camp he said, “Some of them have returned, some are still staying at the base camp itself. They are assessing the situation, to find favourable conditions for their trek. They had the permission till June 15; they are waiting for the last date.”
According to the information provided by Pithoragarh district administration, the 18-member of ITBP team will expedite from Nanda Devi East Base Camp to the avalanche site on foot. Before the actual spot in the bowl-shaped area, a place will be decided outside the site where the bodies will be taken to. From there helicopters of IAF will air lift the bodies to the district headquarters. The team of the remaining 14-members will be stationed at Nanda Devi East Base camp, to provide immediate help or meet any other requirement of the team ahead. The mission will be headed by ITBP mountaineer RS Sonal. ITBP has sent a budget requirement of Rs 10 lakh to Uttarakahand government for the procurement of necessary equipment.