More than 50 devotees were rescued from the swollen Ladhiya river near Gurudwara Shri Reetha Sahib in Champawat district, Uttarakhand, on Sunday, 1 June 2025, after a sudden surge in water levels left pilgrims stranded mid-river during the annual Jod Mela. A pre-deployed team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) mounted a swift rescue operation, averting what could have been a major tragedy.

What Happened at the River

A large group of Sikh pilgrims had gathered at the confluence of the Ladhiya and Ratiya rivers for a ritual bath before offering prayers at the Gurudwara, a customary practice during the fair. Heavy rainfall upstream caused water levels to rise abruptly, trapping between 50 and 60 devotees who scrambled onto a small structure in the middle of the river. Eyewitnesses reported widespread panic as the current intensified without warning.

Several vehicles that had been parked in the riverbed area also became submerged in the rising water, compounding the emergency. SDRF personnel guided both stranded pilgrims and the affected vehicles to safety, demonstrating what SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi described as 'courage, patience, and exceptional professional skills.'

How the Rescue Unfolded

The SDRF team had been deployed at the site in advance, given the scale of the fair and the forecast of sensitive weather conditions in the region — a decision that proved critical. Upon receiving information about the crisis, personnel moved in immediately, pulling devotees to the riverbank one by one. Simultaneously, local police and traffic police erected barriers on both sides of the riverbed, preventing other pilgrims from entering the water and worsening the situation.

Through the coordinated efforts of the SDRF, the police, and the district administration, all stranded individuals were brought to safety. No loss of life was reported.

About the Jod Mela and Gurudwara Shri Reetha Sahib

The Jod Mela is a three-day annual fair held at the historic Gurudwara Shri Reetha Sahib in Champawat, commemorating Guru Nanak Dev's legendary visit to the site. The fair draws an average of 2 lakh devotees each year, making crowd and river-safety management a perennial challenge for local authorities. The Gurudwara, situated near the river confluence, is one of the most revered Sikh pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand.

What Officials Said

SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi told reporters that the team's advance deployment — driven by an assessment of the massive crowd, unpredictable weather, and the river's proximity — was the key factor in the successful rescue. He commended all personnel involved and reaffirmed the SDRF's mandate of delivering a swift, effective response in emergency situations. This incident underscores the growing importance of pre-emptive disaster positioning at large religious gatherings in the ecologically sensitive hill districts of Uttarakhand.