MADIKERI: Professional rock climber CM Praveen basks in the comfort that stems from a job well done. On Saturday, Praveen was entrusted with the job of rescuing a two-month-old infant — “the most difficult task” he has ever faced, he says — from a remote location in Thantipala near Madikeri. His rescue entailed zipping 75 metres across a torrid stream on a rope line in difficult weather, cradling the infant in his arms. One false move and the infant could have died, he says.“I prayed for the safety of Shalini (the baby),” Praveen said. “When she was safe, I heaved a sigh of relief. It’s one of the best moments of my life.”Praveen is part of a 15-member General Thimayya National Academy of Adventure (GETHNAA) team involved in rescue operations. The team received a distress call on Saturday (August18) informing them that five people, including a mother and infant, were stuck in Thantipala. The rescuers trekked 8km, braving landslides and creating new routes through forests and plantations. However, crossing a flooded river posed the biggest challenge. “At some points, I was inches away from the water,” Praveen said. “The risks were huge, but I had the confidence. I held the baby securely. The journey across took only a few seconds, but it took a lot preparation before executing it.”Later, little Shalini was declared healthy by doctors at a hospital. Santu Kakkabe,41, father of Shalini, said: “If Praveen and his team were not there, my family would have not survived. I wish this doesn't happen to anybody.” The Gethnaa team is equipped with four SUVs, land and water rescue gear, boats and first-aid kits. Arun, Sudeep, Gangadhar, Dadpeer and Yadunandan were also part of the rescue operations on Saturday.

Stay updated with all the Latest Mysore headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.