A Border Security Force (BSF) officer and a jawan died during patrol due to extreme heat exposure at the ‘Harami Nallah’ creek area along the India-Pakistan international front in Gujarat. They were rushed to a health facility in Bhuj, but could not be saved, sources said.
The incident, in which Assistant Commandant Vishwadeo and Head Constable Dayal Ram are stated to have suffered a heat stroke and dehydration, took place on July 19 along the border, the sources said. The officer belonged to the 59th battalion of the BSF. The two were undertaking a ‘zero line’ patrol when they collapsed.
A similar incident of extreme weather and heat stroke had claimed the life of a BSF jawan posted to guard the same front along Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) in May this year. A spokesperson for the BSF’s Gandhinagar-based Gujarat frontier said the two men along with other members of the force were undertaking a “long-range border patrol in remote and inaccessible terrain along international borders to the north of Harami Nala, known for its treacherous terrain, when they were caught in extreme weather conditions and suffered medical exigencies.” “They were immediately evacuated to nearest medical facilities but they succumbed to critical health situation,” he said.
The current temperatures in the Rann of Kutch and Harami Nallah areas is ranging from 34-36 degrees with humidity levels as high as 80-82 per cent.
The spokesperson said despite their extensive training and experience, the “severity of the situation” proved overwhelming.
The two BSF personnel exemplified the highest standards of bravery and dedication. Their commitment in safeguarding our nations sovereignty, even in the face of extreme danger, will never be forgotten, the force said in a statement.
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