Anini, Jun 7: In an extraordinary display of courage and humanitarian commitment, a 17-member relief team comprising personnel from Dibang Valley district administration, along with local volunteers successfully delivered essential supplies to a stranded family in Mawali village, after a hanging bridge connecting the area was washed away on June 1.
The team, formed by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) after drone-based delivery attempts failed, embarked on a 10-hour trek from Athunli village on June 5, carrying approximately 200 kilograms of rations, medicines, and other essential items.
Previous attempts using drones, one from the DDMA and another from the Indian Army, had delivered only a limited quantity of food before both drones crashed, an official communiqué informed here on Saturday.
Facing treacherous terrain, the team crossed steep and narrow forest tracks, built makeshift log bridges over streams, and waded through water to reach Mawali by 5:30 PM the same day.
Meanwhile, efforts continued at Athunli, where the Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), local police, and SJVN Ltd collaborated with villagers to construct a ropeway on the remains of the damaged bridge.
By 2:30 PM on Friday, the entire relief team was able to return to Athunli by ziplining across the newly built cable ropeway.
With the delivery of supplies, the stranded family now has enough ration stock for two months. The partially repaired hanging bridge has also restored regular access to supplies, though full reconstruction is expected to take another month.
In recognition of their bravery and dedication, Dibang Valley deputy commissioner Pagli Sora has announced that the 17-member team will be formally felicitated for their vital role in responding to the crisis and supporting the administration during a critical time.
