What could have turned into a major tragedy in the picturesque heights of Gulmarg ended in relief and applause on Monday, as nearly 320 tourists stranded mid-air in gondola cabins were rescued safely after a sudden technical fault halted the famous cable car service.
The incident triggered a high-intensity rescue mission involving the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indian Army, SDRF, NDRF and civil administration teams, all battling difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions to bring every tourist back safely.
TECHNICAL SNAG SPARKS PANIC
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat said police received information in the afternoon that the Gulmarg Gondola had developed a technical fault, causing several cabins carrying tourists to remain suspended mid-air.
The first response came from the SHO Gulmarg and local police personnel, who immediately rushed to the site and began rescue preparations. Soon after, 14 SDRF teams, Armed Police Mountain Rescue units and Snow Leopard teams of the Jammu and Kashmir Police joined the operation.
ARMY, SDRF AND NDRF LEAD MASSIVE RESCUE
As the situation intensified, rescue teams from the Indian Army and NDRF were mobilised. The Army deployed Casualty Assistance Teams and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to navigate the challenging mountainous terrain.
According to officials, the Gulmarg Gondola Corporation also actively participated in the evacuation efforts. Additional ATVs were arranged through the Gulmarg ATV Association as authorities worked against time to clear stranded cabins.
Officials confirmed that most cabins were evacuated within hours and no injuries or casualties were reported.
LEADERS PRAISE RESCUE TEAMS
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the disaster response teams, saying the nation salutes their “valour and skill” in rescuing stranded tourists safely.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also lauded the coordinated efforts of the Police, Army, SDRF, NDRF and civil administration.
The Chief Minister stated that the incident would be thoroughly examined and responsibility fixed for any lapses found during the inquiry.
CRISIS AVERTED THROUGH SWIFT COORDINATION
Senior police officers, including ADGP Law and Order V. K. Birdi, monitored the operation on the ground alongside Army officials and civil administrators.
Authorities maintained that the situation remained under control throughout the operation, while the swift coordination among agencies helped avert what could have been a major disaster in one of Kashmir’s busiest tourist destinations.
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