Dehradun, June 1 -- Over 50 devotees stranded in a swollen river near the Reetha Sahib Gurdwara during the annual fair in Champawat district were rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on Sunday. According to SDRF officials, a rescue team had already been deployed in the area in view of the large influx of pilgrims, prevailing weather conditions and possible disaster risks. SDRF Commandant said the incident occurred at the confluence of the Ladhiya and Ratiya rivers, where a large number of devotees had gathered for a ritual bath before visiting the gurdwara. "Following rainfall in the area, the river's water level rose suddenly, leaving around 50 to 60 devotees stranded midstream. Several vehicles parked in the riverbed also got stuck as water levels increased. It triggered panic among those present," he said. An SDRF team led by sub-inspector Deepak Samant immediately launched a rescue operation.htc...