2 lives, 3 animals and a leader miles away: How RS Bali led a heart-stopping rescue in Himachal from Delhi

TNR News Network

When a family and their animals were trapped, help came not just from the ground — but from a different city, hundreds of kilometres away.

On an otherwise quiet day in Nagrota Bagwan, panic set in when two persons and their three animals were left stranded after sudden flooding near their home. But while danger loomed large, something equally powerful rose in response — leadership, compassion and action that came from where no one expected: a ladder who was in Delhi for his undergoing treatment.

RS Bali, Nagrota MLA, was undergoing treatment in Delhi when news of the situation reached him. Without wasting a moment, he got on a video call and took charge — coordinating the rescue operation step-by-step, speaking to every key official, and staying connected until every life was brought to safety.

Race against time but guided from afar

He immediately instructed the SDM to reach the spot, contacted SDRF teams, spoke with the Army General and the Deputy Commissioner — all through a flurry of calls and video links. While the local fire team carried out the physical rescue, Bali was virtually present throughout, asking for updates and ensuring nothing was missed.

Air rescue was ready, if needed

Anticipating every possibility, Bali even arranged for an airlift if ground rescue failed. Though thankfully, the fire team succeeded in bringing everyone out, the level of preparedness was not lost on those involved.

Perhaps the most moving part of the entire episode was RS Bali’s insistence that “no” life be left behind — not even the family’s three animals. He remained on the call until the very last cow was rescued, checking in repeatedly: “Sab nikal gaye na?”

Locals watching the rescue unfold broke into emotional words: “We had heard you treat Nagrota like family… today we saw it. Nagrota is in safe hands.”

Gratitude that crossed ranks

RS Bali also made it a point to personally thank General Chhibber and other officials via video call, reminding everyone that leadership also means recognising those who stand with you when it matters.