After an extensive search operation, officials in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district recovered the body of a missing Kerala tourist, Mahadev M. (24), from the frozen Sela Lake. The tourist had been missing since Friday, and post-mortem examinations are underway. The body will be handed over to the relatives after completing necessary formalities.
The civil administration is managing the subsequent procedures. Seven tourists from Kerala had visited Tawang via Guwahati to explore Sela Lake, a popular tourist spot. One tourist’s body was found on Friday, while another was rescued alive. Search operations continued on Saturday, leading to the discovery of the deceased tourist, Mahadev M.
The Indian Army, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) collaborated in the search operation. The frozen Sela Lake, situated at around 13,700 feet above sea level, posed challenges. Lt Col Rawat mentioned that during the visit, one tourist fell into the lake, prompting a rescue attempt that tragically resulted in two more individuals being submerged.
Prompt rescue efforts were initiated by the Indian Army despite harsh weather conditions. One person was revived with immediate medical help, while another was found deceased. The remaining tourists are safe in Army camps, receiving necessary care. The Indian Army emphasized the importance of following civil administration guidelines for safety.
Tawang District Superintendent of Police D.W. Thongon reiterated the need for tourists to heed advisories. Warning signboards cautioning against entering frozen lakes have been placed at Sela and Shungatser. Sela Lake, known for its scenic beauty, is one of the prominent lakes near the Sela mountain pass. Tawang district boasts numerous high-altitude lakes, with locals mentioning around 108 lakes in the region.
