Navi Mumbai: A group of 13 trekkers from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai who had lost their way and were stuck en-route to Machi Prabalgad fort on Saturday were rescued overnight.The young trekkers are employees of the information technology sector conglomerate TCS – Thane. The group had started scaling up without a guide earlier in the morning to Irshalgad but lost their path in the evening. An NGO, Nisarg Mitra, with the Panvel Taluka police brought them back to Panvel.According to one of the rescuers of the NGO, Sachin Shinde, the group had first successfully trekked the Irshalgad fort via Irshalwadi in Khalapur taluka by 1 pm. Seeing the tower of the Machi Prabalgad fort nearby, they inquired with a local about the pathway and moved forward. However, uprooted trees, fog, rain, among others led to their losing the pathway.After losing the trek path, they sought police help by calling the helpline number 112 at around 5 pm. The Panvel Taluka police outpost personnel and Nisarg Mitra left for their rescue.A Panvel Taluka police station sub-inspector said, “The group found themselves in grave danger due to the onset of darkness, near absence of mobile network, deep valleys, slippery rock surfaces and perilous paths. Navigating through the dense forest was a major challenge during the night. At several points a single misstep carried the risk of plunging into deep gorges.”The operation was conducted with the help of locals Navnath Pardhi, Harischandra Pardhi, Nathuram Pardhi, three police officials, seven constables, Nisarg Mitra volunteers and assistance from Help Foundation-Khopoli.Shinde added, “The group did not have rain coats, torches, among other kits including proper shoes. They were brought to the Panvel Taluka police station. The entire operation was completed at around 1.30 am on Sunday. They were brought back via Thakurwadi-Vardoli to Panvel.”Declining to reveal any detail, one of the trekkers, Aditya Vichare said, “We have safely reached the nearest tribal hamlet.” Another trekker, Rohit Kumar didn’t comment when contacted.
