Pithoragarh: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajeev Kumar, who was stranded near the China-occupied Tibet border in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district after an emergency landing on Wednesday, landed safely in Munsiyari Tehsil Headquarters after about 16 hours.
Kumar had to spend the night in sub-zero temperatures at Ralam, a small village in the Munsiyari Block of Pithoragarh, along with two officials and two pilots. Ralam, situated in a remote area and covered in snow, consists of 28 houses but is currently deserted as its residents have migrated elsewhere.
Kumar, along with the Additional Chief Election Officer of Uttarakhand Vijay Kumar, his Personal Security Officer (PSO) Navin Kumar, and two pilots, had to stay overnight at the ghost village.
The CEC was on a scheduled visit to remote polling stations in Pithoragarh to gain firsthand insight into the challenges faced by polling teams and voters in the region's high-altitude and difficult terrain. He had planned to visit polling stations in 14 nearby villages. However, due to bad weather, his helicopter made an emergency landing near Ralam.
As weather conditions deteriorated in the high Himalayan region, heavy rain began around 4 pm, significantly dropping temperatures and creating an uncomfortable environment for the stranded group. Residents reported that the minimum temperature in Ralam can plummet to five degrees Celsius when it rains, which added to the discomfort experienced by Kumar and his team.
The situation prompted concern from local authorities, who quickly mobilised assistance upon learning that the Chief Election Commissioner was stranded. A house in the village was opened for the group as a temporary shelter while they awaited rescue.
On Thursday morning, around 6.30 am, the weather cleared, allowing the helicopter to take off and safely land at the Munsiyari helipad. Upon arrival, Kumar expressed his gratitude for the support from local officials and inquired about the well-being of his companions.
This isn't the first time CEC Rajiv Kumar has ventured to remote polling locations. Soon after assuming office, he trekked to one of the most distant polling stations in Dumak village, Chamoli district, to experience the challenges faced by polling teams. Following that visit, District Election Officers (DEOs) reviewed and optimised route maps for P-3 and P-2 polling stations, ensuring shorter and safer routes, which has nearly eliminated P-3 stations. (Agency inputs)
