Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: Authorities have flagged off 45 specialized mountain rescue teams for deployment along the two traditional routes leading to the Amarnath cave shrine. The initiative aims to enhance safety and provide immediate assistance to pilgrims undertaking the annual pilgrimage in the South Kashmir Himalayas.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the deployment includes personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, State and National Disaster Response Forces (SDRF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Border Security Force (BSF). These teams will be strategically positioned at 21 locations along the Pahalgam and shorter route via the Baltal base camp to ensure comprehensive coverage.
SDRF Director Imtiyaz Hussain Mir stated that the teams are prepared to offer every kind of facility to the devotees and are equipped to respond swiftly to any potential disasters or emergencies. He emphasized the sacred nature of the Amarnath Yatra and the crucial role of the Jammu and Kashmir Police in collaboration with other security forces to ensure the pilgrimage’s success and the pilgrims’ well-being.
Mir further elaborated that these mountain rescue teams comprise specially trained personnel, many of whom have prior experience in Yatra security and rescue operations. They are tasked with providing all necessary assistance, particularly during emergency situations, to pilgrims arriving from across the country. This year, significant efforts have been made to augment equipment and improve facilities for the rescue teams to enable them to deliver enhanced services.
The deployment comes as security forces intensify measures to ensure a smooth and secure pilgrimage. Mock drills have been conducted across various districts in the Kashmir Valley to assess and strengthen security preparedness, emergency response mechanisms, and inter-agency coordination. Officials confirmed that these drills are comprehensive and designed to optimize the smooth and safe conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
Specifically, mock drills were carried out in Pulwama and Kulgam districts on Thursday, focusing on evaluating the effectiveness of response protocols and inter-force coordination. The Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28, a period that sees a significant influx of devotees to the high-altitude shrine.
The Directorate General of Police, Nalin Prabhat, flagged off the teams, underscoring the commitment to pilgrim safety. The strategic positioning of these rescue teams along the challenging mountain terrain is a critical component of the security grid for the annual pilgrimage, ensuring that pilgrims receive timely support in case of any eventuality.
The Yatra, a deeply revered spiritual journey for Hindus, passes through challenging mountain passes and varying weather conditions, making the presence of specialized rescue teams indispensable. The collaborative effort involving multiple security and disaster response agencies highlights the organized approach taken by the authorities to manage the logistics and security aspects of this significant religious event. The augmented equipment and enhanced training for this year’s deployment signify a proactive stance towards ensuring a safe and successful pilgrimage for all participants.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
