PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has failed to find any clear clues about seven missing trekkers and a guide in Uttarkashi’s Kedartal region despite conducting two rounds of aerial searches by helicopter on Sunday. Heavy snowfall and difficult weather conditions are making the search operation challenging for the trekkers reported missing since October 31, officials said. On the directions of SDRF commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi, a specialised mountaineering team has been deployed to search for the missing trekkers. Earlier, an SDRF team from Gangotri had reached the Kedartal region and conducted a reconnaissance. However, heavy snowfall and difficult terrain prevented the team from taking the search operation forward. Considering the difficult conditions, the SDRF decided to conduct an aerial search of the area. Two personnel, head constable Ravi Chauhan and constable Deepak Pant, were sent to Harshil by helicopter. The helicopter subsequently conducted two rounds of aerial reconnaissance over the Kedartal region. However, the team could not spot the missing trekkers or their tents during the search. Meanwhile, an additional SDRF team has been dispatched from the force headquarters with specialised rescue and mountaineering equipment. The team will join the operation to continue the search when weather conditions become favourable. The SDRF is also coordinating with other concerned agencies to prepare the next course of action for the search and rescue operation, officials said. Four of the 12-member group had been rescued on October 30.
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