A 48-year-old tourist from Haryana has gone missing in Uttarakhand's Valley of Flowers. Search teams including forest officials, police, and SDRF are using drones to locate him. Adverse weather is hampering the operation.
A 48-year-old tourist from Haryana has gone missing in Uttarakhand's Valley of Flowers, prompting a large-scale search operation by forest officials, police, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The search entered its second day on Thursday with no success so far.
Gabbar Singh, a resident of Faridabad, failed to return from a trek on Tuesday evening. Authorities said he had entered the park alone and had not been living at home for the past two years, leading the life of a Nihang Sikh. The mobile number he provided at the entry gate was found to be incorrect, hampering contact.
Divisional Forest Officer of Nanda Devi National Park, Abhimanyu, said two drones were deployed on Wednesday to scan difficult and inaccessible stretches of the valley. “Search teams have been combing the area continuously. Despite extensive efforts throughout Wednesday and Thursday, no trace of the missing tourist has been found so far,” he said.
Forest Range Officer Chetna Kandpal said authorities are exploring the possibility that Singh may have exited through a different route. “We are verifying whether he might have left the park from another exit point. Joint teams are making every effort to locate him,” she added. Deteriorating weather conditions in the high-altitude region are posing additional challenges.
Key Points
- Gabbar Singh, 48, from Faridabad, Haryana, went missing on Tuesday evening in Valley of Flowers.
- Search involves forest officials, police, SDRF, and drones.
- Incorrect mobile number and possible exit via alternate route complicate search.
- Adverse weather conditions hampering rescue efforts.
- Chamoli police issue advisory urging trekkers to share itineraries, hire guides, and follow safety protocols.
Meanwhile, Chamoli police have issued an advisory for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. The advisory urges visitors to share their travel itineraries and contact details with local police before trekking. It also recommends hiring local guides, carrying first-aid kits, wearing suitable clothing, and keeping adequate food and water supplies. Trekkers are advised to stay on designated routes, avoid shortcuts, travel in groups, and refrain from attempting difficult trails without proper preparation.