Army’s Ibex Brigade Leads Dharali Rescue Mission Amid Adversity

Dehradun, Aug 7 — Displaying exemplary courage and swift action, the Indian Army’s Ibex Brigade, based in Harsil, emerged as the first responder to the devastating flash floods in Dharali, reaching the affected area within 10 minutes of the disaster. Since then, the brigade has been at the forefront of the ongoing rescue and relief operations, despite formidable challenges.

Approximately 150 personnel from the brigade, under the leadership of Col Harshvardhan, launched an overnight search and rescue operation that saved dozens of villagers and provided them critical medical aid. By Wednesday evening, they had rescued around 70 people, officials confirmed.

A senior Army officer involved in the operation told TOI that troops are working without electricity, mobile connectivity, or heavy equipment, owing to landslides and damaged infrastructure that cut off road access. “Our men are clearing debris with bare hands and handheld tools. Many have been operating without proper rest or food, but their priority remains saving lives,” he said.

Simultaneous Crisis at Harsil Camp

Even as they focused on Dharali, the brigade faced a parallel crisis — a mudslide at their own camp in Harsil, triggered shortly after the floods. Nine personnel from the camp remain missing, and a simultaneous operation is underway to trace them.

Despite the personal toll, the troops have not wavered in their resolve. “It was a setback, no doubt, but the men remain focused and determined to help those in Dharali,” another officer noted.

A Record of Heroic Service

This isn’t the first time the Ibex Brigade has played a pivotal role in disaster response in Uttarakhand. Earlier this year, when a massive avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp in Mana, Chamoli, they were the first to reach the site and rescue survivors. The brigade also provided vital assistance during the land subsidence crisis in Jyotirmath, assisting with evacuation and on-ground support.

‘A Force in Service of the People’

Lauding the troops, Lt Gen Mohan Bhandari (Retd) remarked, “The Indian Army is a force in service of the people. It is always fully committed to providing assistance during disasters, no matter how adverse the conditions — because this is what they are trained for.”