Udhampur Police successfully rescued 12 people, including women and children, who were stranded in the snow-covered upper reaches of Basantgarh amid severe weather conditions. The rescue operation saw police personnel trekking several kilometres through deep snow and dense fog to reach the stranded families.
Following their rescue, all individuals were provided with food, shelter, and necessary medical assistance. The incident highlights both the dangers posed by extreme weather in hilly terrain and the dedication of emergency services in Jammu and Kashmir’s challenging topography.
Treacherous Conditions Test Rescue Team’s Resolve
The rescue operation unfolded in exceptionally difficult circumstances, with thick fog severely limiting visibility and heavy snowfall creating treacherous conditions underfoot. The stranded families, trapped in the remote mountainous area, faced rapidly deteriorating weather with temperatures plummeting and access routes becoming increasingly impassable.
Police teams had no option but to abandon vehicles and proceed on foot, navigating the hazardous terrain for kilometres to reach those in distress. Upon locating the families, officers assessed their condition and coordinated their safe evacuation from the area. The rescued individuals, many showing signs of cold exposure and exhaustion, were immediately attended to by medical personnel who accompanied the rescue team.
Remote Areas Face Recurring Winter Emergencies
Basantgarh’s upper reaches, like many mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir, become particularly vulnerable during winter months when sudden weather changes can isolate entire communities. The area has witnessed several such incidents in recent years, prompting local authorities to enhance their emergency response capabilities and establish better communication networks with remote villages.
This latest rescue adds to a series of operations conducted by Udhampur Police during the current winter season, as unseasonably heavy snowfall has affected normal life across several districts. Local administration has issued advisories urging residents and travellers to exercise caution and avoid venturing into high-altitude areas during adverse weather warnings.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This rescue operation exemplifies the selfless service and unwavering commitment of our emergency responders who risk their own safety to protect others. In an era often marked by division and discord, such acts of courage and compassion remind us of our shared humanity and the profound responsibility we hold towards one another, regardless of background or circumstance. These police personnel didn’t see strangers in need—they saw fellow citizens, families, and children whose lives depended on their actions.
Their dedication deserves our deepest gratitude and respect. As climate patterns grow increasingly unpredictable, affecting vulnerable communities in remote areas most severely, we must ask ourselves: how can we, as a society, better support both our emergency services and the communities they serve to build resilience against such natural challenges whilst fostering a culture where looking out for one another becomes second nature?
#PeopleFirst#UdhampurPolice
— District Police Udhampur (@UdhampurPolice) January 23, 2026
Udhampur Police Successfully Rescue 12 Persons Stranded Due to Heavy Snowfall in Upper Ridges of Basantgarh Area @JmuKmrPolice @ZPHQJammu @igp_jammu @UHqrs @SarahRizviIPS pic.twitter.com/YDb1lyEfYb
