Nothing can be left to chance at 14,500 feet. Durga Sati, 32, Roshni Negi, 25, and Mamta Kanwasi, 33, had been preparing for the arduous journey for months. They became the country's first female guards to be deployed in the treacherous forests of Nanda Devi, the country's second-highest mountain at over 25,000 feet.
Nanda Devi is India's second highest peak after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak entirely within the country. (The higher peak, Kangchenjunga, is on the border of India and Nepal.) It is the world's 23rd highest peak.
We patrol 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 was the result of a chance conversation and their own initiative. Women forest guards were usually allowed to go up to Laata, at 11,150 feet, but were not allowed to go any further. “But we thought, if not now, when? We joined this service to serve our country and nature,” says Roshni.
They travelled to Bhelta on June 1st (11,800 feet). They then proceeded to Lata Khark (12,800 feet) and then to Jhandidhara (13,800 feet). They returned to Lata Khark, from where they proceeded to their destination, Dharasi (14,500 feet).
