In a first, women patrol Nanda Devi forests at 14,500 feet

DEHRADUN: At 14,500 feet, one can leave nothing to chance. So, for months, Durga Sati, 32, Roshni Negi, 25, and Mamta Kanwasi, 33, had been preparing for the taxing trek. Last week, they became the first women guards to be deployed in the treacherous forests of the country’s second highest mountain, Nanda Devi, over 25,000 feet high.
“We patrol the mountains to protect rare animals and plants. There is always the threat of poachers, even at these altitudes,” said Mamta. “We also check water sources and see if anything appears amiss from a security point of view. We have to ensure our territory is safe.”
Their deployment came about with a chance conversation and initiative on their part. Women forest guards would usually go up to Laata, at 11,150 feet, but would be asked not to go further. “But we thought, if not now, when? We joined this service to serve our country and nature,” said Roshni.
On June 1, they trekked to Bhelta (11,800 feet). Then, they went to Lata Khark (12,800 feet) and then, onwards to Jhandidhara (13,800 feet). They returned to Lata Khark, from where they went to Dharasi (14,500 feet), their destination.