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. "Despite the strong current and rising water levels, the team safely evacuated all stranded devotees and also assisted in moving vehicles to safer locations," Yaduvanshi said. Officials said local police and traffic police were informed promptly, following which barriers were erected on both sides of the river to regulate movement and prevent more people from entering the affected area. Yaduvanshi directed SDRF units across the state to remain on high alert amid continuing rainfall and maintain close monitoring of vulnerable areas....