Rescue Operation in Dolpa
On November 14, a group of five police personnel who were stranded due to heavy snowfall in the upper Dolpa region were successfully rescued by a Nepali Army helicopter. The operation took place in Dho, located within the Dolpobuddha Rural Municipality, according to reports from the local police.
The officers who were rescued include Assistant Sub Inspector Devdutta Pandey, Senior Head Constable Maniraj Joshi, Head Constable Janak Bahadur Karki, and constables Nawaraj Bhatta and Narendra Bhatta. These individuals had been stationed at a temporary police post in Nijalgumba, which is part of Ward 1 in the Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality. They had been deployed to the upper Dolpa area in April as part of their duty.
Health Conditions of the Rescued Officers
Deputy Superintendent of Police Ruk Bahadur Khadka, who leads the District Police Office in Dolpa, stated that the officers experienced severe swelling in their hands, feet, and faces after walking for nearly 36 hours through deep snow and extreme cold. Their journey from Naumdo to Dunai via Dho became increasingly difficult, and they were eventually unable to continue on foot. This situation necessitated an immediate rescue operation.
Following the rescue, the officers were taken to the district headquarters in Dunai for initial medical checks. They were then transported to Surkhet for more comprehensive treatment.
Challenges Faced During the Journey
Police officials had initially instructed the officers to return to Dunai after heavy snowfall made it unsafe to remain in Nijalgumba. However, as conditions worsened, the return route became life-threatening, prompting the mobilization of a Nepali Army helicopter.
The rescue mission was carried out with the coordination between the Nepal Police and the Nepali Army, highlighting the importance of inter-agency cooperation in such critical situations.
Routine Rescue Operations
Deputy Inspector General Abi Narayan Kafle, who serves as the spokesperson for Nepal Police, mentioned that personnel facing difficulties during their duties are routinely rescued through coordination with the Nepali Army. This incident underscores the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of law enforcement officers operating in remote and challenging environments.
Conclusion
The successful rescue of the five police personnel in Dolpa highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in extreme weather conditions. It also emphasizes the importance of preparedness and collaboration between different agencies to ensure the safety of personnel deployed in such areas. The incident serves as a reminder of the dedication and resilience required by those serving in remote regions, where adverse weather conditions can pose significant risks.