CANACONA
A Gaondongrim youth, Rohit Kudalkar, was rescued after falling into a ravine while trekking alone to hoist the national flag at Modder hillock in Badsarem-Gaondongrem on Wednesday.
With Independence Day approaching, Kudalkar said he trekked through the remote, dense forest and hoisted the flag at Modder, the highest point in the Badsarem area. While descending, he slipped and fell into a ravine in the thick woods. Unable to climb out, he used a mobile network signal to dial 100 for help.
Kudalkar said he had planned to visit a helicopter crash site in the area but abandoned the plan after the fall. The crash, around 40-45 years ago, killed three people, including the pilot.
A villager said Kudalkar had sought directions to the hillock around 7 am and was warned against venturing alone due to the dense forest, dangerous wildlife and lack of a proper pathway. However, he insisted on going alone. Locals take around three hours to reach the hillock, which has a small place of worship. Villagers normally travel in groups.
THE RESCUE
Canacona police received a control room call around noon that a youth was trapped and lost in the Badsarem forest. Police alerted the Canacona Fire and Emergency Services and Forest (Wildlife) Department and launched a search.
Locating Kudalkar in the dense, hilly terrain was challenging, but police, forest officials, firefighters and local residents worked together and found him trapped in thick vegetation.
He was safely brought out and taken to Badsarem. He reportedly suffered no serious injuries.
Kudalkar thanked the Canacona Police, Forest Department and Fire Brigade for their prompt response, saying their efforts helped ensure his safe rescue.
