Major Sita Shelke was the only female officer among 70 male officers who fearlessly stood during the rescue operation. Her presence on the Bridge building has captured admiration of many online.
Major Sita Ashok Shelke photos are currently gaining widespread attention. The commander officer led the team of 70 male officers from the Army’s Madras Engineering Group of Bengaluru. Her photos standing proudly on the railings of the newly constructed Bailey Bridge in the landslide-stricken Chooralmala village of Kerala’s Wayanad has showcased her bravery and commitment during the rescue operation.
Major Shelke and her team achieved an incredible feat of constructing the bridge in just 31 hours, overcoming various obstacles like bad weather, uprooted trees and swiftly flowing river. Hailing from Gadilgaon Village in Ahmed Nagar, Maharashtra, Major Shelke leads the MEG unit that is responsible in helping the Army during wars and natural disasters like the 2018 Kerala floods.
Major Seeta Shelke, along with her team of Indian Army Engineers took just 16 hours to build the 190-feet Bailey Bridge across Iruvazhinji river, connecting the landslide-hit Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Wayanad.
The bridge has the capacity to carry 24 tonnes.
Salute and… pic.twitter.com/ug3GOedFBn
— Lt Col JS Sodhi (Retd) (@JassiSodhi24) August 2, 2024
Major Shelke and her team worked tirelessly so that many people could be saved and bodies of the dead could be recovered without much delay. So far, 308 people have died in the landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in the hilly areas of Wayanad. Over 200 people suffered injuries due to shortage of equipments, treacherous terrain, destroyed roads and bridges.
Major Sita Ashok Shelke credits the whole unit for the successful construction of the bridge. While, speaking to PTI, she said, “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.”
Major Shelke and her team’s swift and efficient actions exemplify true heroism in time of crisis. Their unwavering commitment in the extreme demanding challenges serves a source of inspiration worldwide. Moreover, Shelke has been proved a true leader in every way. She openly revealed hat she was not ready to restrict herself to gender roles and has been working on similar terms as her male colleagues in the landslide site. The commander told PTI, “I don’t consider myself only as a woman; I am a soldier. I am here as a representative of the Indian Army and take immense pride in being a part of this launching team.”