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Heroism in Wayanad: Major Sita Shelke Leads Indian Army to Build Bailey Bridge in Record Time
In the heart of the landslide-stricken Chooralmala village in Kerala's Wayanad, a photograph of Major Sita Ashok Shelke, proudly standing on the railings of a newly constructed Bailey bridge, has gone viral, capturing the admiration and respect of social media users worldwide.
Major Shelke, the only female officer in the Indian Army unit responsible for building the bridge, has become a symbol of bravery and dedication amidst the disaster's devastation. Hailing from Gadilgaon Village in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, Major Shelke is part of the 70-member team from the Army's Madras Engineering Group (MEG) in Bengaluru, known as the "Madras Sappers." This engineering unit specializes in clearing paths, constructing bridges, and defusing landmines on the war front, as well as aiding in rescue operations during natural disasters.
The Madras Engineer Group (MEG) and Centre faced immense challenges, including heavy rainfall, limited construction space, debris, uprooted trees, and a rapidly flowing river. Despite these obstacles, they completed the construction of the bridge in a remarkable 31 hours. Major Shelke led her team with tireless determination, foregoing sleep and regular meals, to ensure that many lives could be saved and the bodies of the deceased recovered without delay.
Major Shelke humbly attributes the success to a collective effort, expressing her gratitude to local authorities, state officials, villagers, and everyone who assisted them. "I must convey my thanks to all the local authorities, state officials, and everyone who has helped us from different places. Special thanks to the locals, villagers, and state officials," she stated in a news agency PTI interview.
The newly built Bailey bridge, spanning 190 feet, now serves as the only route for ongoing rescue operations, connecting Mundakai and Chooralmala, which had been cut off due to the landslide. Major Shelke's team transported 10-foot long panels from Bengaluru to Chooralmala in 20 trucks and began work immediately, overcoming all challenges to complete the bridge in 31 non-stop hours.
This achievement has not only facilitated relief and rescue operations but also saved hundreds of lives. Major Shelke's refusal to adhere to traditional gender roles and her equal footing with her male colleagues exemplify her exceptional dedication and leadership.
The nation salutes Major Sita Ashok Shelke and the Indian Army for their extraordinary bravery and unwavering commitment in the face of adversity.
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