NCC team rescues man trapped in well for 18 hours in Wardha, Maharashtra
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
An NCC team from No. 3 Maharashtra (Girls) Battalion NCC, Nagpur, rescued a local resident who had been trapped inside a well for nearly 18 hours near the Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC-605) in Wardha district, Maharashtra, on 3 July 2025. The swift operation, involving ropes, safety equipment, and a rescue tube sourced from NDRF personnel on-site, pulled the man to safety around noon after he had fallen in the previous evening.
How the Rescue Unfolded
At around 11.30 am on 3 July, a local woman approached Deputy Camp Commandant Major Rizu Rawat, reporting that cries for help were emanating from a nearby well. She told the officer that her neighbour had accidentally fallen in — and that despite several passersby, no one had intervened.
Major Rawat immediately alerted Camp Commandant Lieutenant Colonel Priti Tiwari and rushed to the spot with Subedar Major Chandra Bhan Singh, Havildar (Nursing Assistant) Jangale G.B., Naik (Nursing Assistant) Ganesh, and MTS Driver Vishal.
NDRF Support Proved Decisive
The team deployed ropes and safety equipment from the camp. Crucially, NDRF personnel who were present at the camp to deliver a training lecture to NCC cadets provided a rescue tube, which was used to lift the victim out. The man had fallen into the well at around 6 pm on 2 July and spent the entire night trapped before being brought to safety just after midday on 3 July.
Following the rescue, he was brought to the NCC camp, where he received first aid and immediate medical attention.
Survivor Speaks
Expressing his gratitude, the rescued man said: 'I had slipped and fallen in the well on the evening of July 2. Due to NCC staff, I got a new life today. They gave me guidance, used a tube to lift me out, and saved me. I thank all the staff of NCC camp from my heart.'
Commanding Officer's Commendation
Lieutenant Colonel Priti Tiwari, Officer Commanding of No. 3 Maharashtra (Girls) Battalion NCC, commended the team for its prompt response and dedication to public service. She stated that the operation reflected the true spirit of the NCC motto, 'Unity and Discipline'. Officials noted that the episode underscored the NCC's commitment to community service beyond its standard training mandate.
The incident is a reminder that NCC camps — often located in semi-rural areas during annual training cycles — can serve as de facto first-response assets when civilian help is absent or slow to mobilise.