Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: A 26-member team of Assam Forest Department personnel turned up safe after losing contact in remote forests near the Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, and Nagaland border. The group went missing for nearly two days while patrolling across the Langting, Maibang, Khepre, Manderdisa, and Hatikhola ranges.
The unit, consisting of 23 forest officials and three accompanying personnel, last reached out to authorities on the evening of July 24. They left for their survey mission on July 23. Their mobile phones went dead in an area known for poor network coverage. The team included two Range Officers, one Assistant Range Officer, and 20 Foresters and Forest Guards.
Assam Police, Assam Rifles, district officials, and a senior Indian Forest Service team launched an extensive rescue effort. Searchers used drone surveillance to comb the dense, inaccessible terrain. Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah confirmed the safe recovery on X.
Baruah said the incident stands as a "reminder of the immense challenges faced by forest personnel, who regularly work in some of the state's most inaccessible and difficult terrains to safeguard forests, wildlife and natural heritage." The minister praised the courage of the staff and thanked the agencies involved in the search.
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