In the ongoing rescue operations in landslide-hit Wayanad, Major Sita Shelke of the Indian Army is garnering praise for her dedicated efforts.
Shelke worked tirelessly for 31 hours straight to build a 190-foot Bailey bridge in Chooralmala, Wayanad. This new bridge allowed rescue teams to access Mundakai hamlet, which had been isolated from the mainland after the original connecting bridge was destroyed by the landslides.
Who Is Major Sita Shelke?
Major Sita Shelke is reportedly the sole female officer in the 70-member team from the Army’s Madras Engineering Group (MEG) based in Bengaluru. Known as the ‘Madras Sappers,’ this engineering unit specializes in clearing paths for the army, constructing bridges, and detecting and disarming landmines during wartime.
They also play a crucial role in rescue operations during natural disasters and were notably active in Kerala during the 2018 floods.
Images of Major Shelke standing atop the newly constructed bridge went viral on social media on Friday, challenging gender stereotypes.
One user praised her and the Engineer Regiment, writing: “Proud of you, Major Sita Shelke and the Engineer Regiment. Successfully constructing the Bailey Bridge in Wayanad in less than 24 hours is incredible!” Local media also lauded “tigress” Shelke for her pivotal role in expediting the rescue efforts.
Bridge built in 36 hours by the Indian army at Wayanad !
Salute ! pic.twitter.com/p50yd2Elvn
— Prashanth Rangaswamy (@itisprashanth) August 1, 2024
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Major Sita Shelke, an Army officer since 2012, is from Ahmed Nagar, Maharashtra, and completed her training at the Chennai Officers Training Academy (OTA).
The Bailey Bridge, constructed using 19 steel panels supported by a single pier, was made possible by materials transported from Bengaluru in 20 trucks on Tuesday, the same day Wayanad was hit by the landslide. The Army announced that the bridge will remain in place until a new permanent bridge is built by the authorities.
The completion of the Bailey Bridge has significantly boosted search and rescue operations, allowing heavy machinery like excavators and ambulances to reach the severely impacted hamlets of Mundakkai and Chooralmala.
Who Are Madras Sappers?
The Madras Engineer Group (MEG), also known as the Madras Sappers, is a unit within the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army, with its headquarters in Bengaluru. The Madras Sappers trace their roots back to the Madras Presidency army of the British Raj and are the oldest among the three groups in the Corps of Engineers.
Despite extensive reorganizations between 1862 and 1928, the Madras Sappers were the only regiment from the Madras Presidency Army to remain intact. Known as the “thambis,” these troops, recognizable by their distinctive Shakos, have demonstrated their prowess on various battlefields globally for over 200 years.
Additionally, the Bangalore torpedo, an explosive device used for clearing mines, was developed at the Bengaluru Centre in the early 20th century.
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