SDRF is constantly active to ensure the safety of Shiva devotees visiting Uttarakhand. Lakhs of Shiva devotees reach Haridwar and Rishikesh in the month of Shravan. During this period, Shiva devotees bathe in various rivers including Ganga and Yamuna and also carry water to offer to Lord Shiva. However, many unpleasant incidents also happen during this time. To avoid such incidents, this time NDRF has been deployed on the banks of various rivers of the state. In this sequence, the case of rescuing 18 Shiva devotees has also come to light.
In fact, on August 8, 2026, 18 devotees of Lord Shiva, who were trapped in a horrific situation after slipping and getting swept away in the strong current of the Ganges while bathing at various ghats in Haridwar, were safely rescued by SDRF personnel. Due to the readiness, courage and quick action of the SDRF personnel, all the 18 devotees were safely rescued.
SDRF Commander Arpan Yaduvanshi said that the safety of devotees during the Kavad Yatra is the top priority of the SDRF. He appealed to all Shiva devotees and river bank visitors to use only designated and safe ghats while bathing in the Ganga and other rivers and avoid areas with strong currents and deep water. In view of the sudden change in the water level and flow of the river, avoid taking any risk and follow the safety instructions given by the SDRF and police personnel deployed at the spot.
Under the guidance of Commander SDRF Arpan Yaduvanshi, teams of SDRF Uttarakhand Police have been deployed at various ghats and sensitive locations of Haridwar and Rishikesh for the security of devotees in view of the Kavad Yatra. To deal with any untoward incident during the Ganga bath, SDRF jawans are constantly on alert with full alertness and preparedness. Due to the quick, courageous and effective rescue operation of SDRF Uttarakhand Police, all 18 Shiva devotees were safely evacuated and possible untoward incidents were averted.