Tragic Loss in the Mountains: A Sobering Reminder for Trekkers

In recent years, the number of tragic incidents in the mountains has increased, even at lower altitudes where such casualties were once rare. This season has brought a series of unfortunate events, highlighting the need for greater awareness and caution among trekkers and trekking agencies. It is crucial to know your limits, and guides must understand trekker behavior in advance to take preventive measures against any mishaps.

Everyone venturing into the mountains should fully comprehend and respect the conditions they face.

The saying "don't be Gama in the land of Lama" cannot be overemphasized. Losing precious lives due to ignorance or overconfidence is simply unacceptable.

The Incident

IIT Kanpur recently mourned the loss of Professor Kanwar Singh Nalwa, who tragically passed away during a trekking expedition in Leh. Professor Nalwa, along with his colleagues from IIT Ropar, had embarked on this trek after attending an official program. Unfortunately, Nalwa experienced severe breathlessness during the trek and succumbed to a cardiac arrest. His body was subsequently airlifted to his hometown of Dehradun.

Professor Nalwa, an Assistant Professor in the Sustainable Energy Department at IIT Kanpur, was a respected academic and researcher. He had completed his BTech at IIT Kanpur and was pursuing research in solar energy. Colleagues and students remember him as a cheerful and optimistic individual who had plans for a family trip soon. His sudden passing is a profound loss to the academic community.

Community Response

The news of Professor Nalwa's death was shared through IIT Kanpur's social media accounts. The institute's Director, Professor Manindra Agarwal, and Deputy Director, Professor Brij Bhushan, expressed their heartfelt condolences. Tragically, this is not the first loss the institute has faced recently; in December 2023, another professor, Sameer Khandekar, also died of a heart attack during an alumni meeting.

A Call for Caution

These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved in trekking and the importance of being adequately prepared. Trekkers must respect the challenging environments they enter, and agencies must prioritize safety above all else. Proper acclimatization, understanding personal limits, and being aware of one's health conditions are essential to prevent such tragedies.

It is imperative to ensure that no more lives are lost due to preventable causes in the majestic but unforgiving mountains.

I am sure, the community, along with the families and friends of the deceased, grieves these profound losses and calls for increased awareness and safety measures in all future trekking endeavours.

-Satya