Additional Director General of Police L&O, Vijay Kumar also holding charge of Armed police & Commandant General SDRF/Civil Defence/Home Guard J&K, on Monday held comprehensive review meeting with the Mountain Rescue Teams (MRT) of SDRF J&K, J&K Armed Police, NDRF, BSF, and CRPF. MRTs consist of 13 teams of Armed Police, 11 teams of SDRF, 8 teams of NDRF, 4 teams of BSF and 2 teams of CRPF.
The meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024, a significant annual pilgrimage that draws lacs of devotees to the holy Amarnath cave. ADGPKumar briefed the teams on their specific duties during the yatra, emphasising the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.
During the session, ADGP Kumar assessed the current state of equipment with each team and made specific recommendations for necessary upgrades and the proper utilisation of resources. He gave special attention to the waterproofing of the clothing of the Mountain Rescue teams, stressing that the fitness and proper gear of rescuers is imperative for effective rescue operations.
Furthermore, he also reviewed the deployment pattern of the MRT Teams of all the forces and made specific suggestions regarding the inclusion of some more locations which are sensitive as per recent review of the route.
He ADGP sensitised the teams towards recent GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) incidents which have occurred in different states of the country and highlighted the challenges climate change is bringing, especially to the work spectrum of the Disaster Response Forces of the nation.
He was accompanied by IG Kashmir, DIG Armed/SDRF, DIG police CKR, CO NDRF and CO SDRF during the review meeting.
The Amarnath Yatra, scheduled from June 29 to August 19, 2024 and arrangements are being finalized for the same.