Vijay Kumar conducts review meeting with Mountain Rescue Teams ahead of Amarnath Yatra

Srinagar, June 24: Additional Director General of Police L&O, Vijay Kumar, on Monday conducted a comprehensive meeting to review preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, officials said.

Kumar, who also holds the charge of Amed police & Commandant General SDRF/Civil Defence/Home Guard J&K, conducted the meeting with the Mountain Rescue Teams (MRT) of SDRF J&K, J&K Armed Police, NDRF, BSF, and CRPF. MRTs consisting of 13 teams of Armed Police, 11 teams of SDRF, 8 teams of NDRF, 4 teams of BSF and 2 teams of CRPF were part of the meeting.

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. Kumar briefed the teams on their specific duties during the yatra, emphasising the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, said an official, in a statement.

During the session, 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.

Additionally, he reviewed the training status of the teams, taking stock of the trainings conducted throughout the year. Kumar extolled the teams to utilise their professional skills as per their training, emphasising that well-rehearsed maneuvers are crucial in disaster situations where panic can often ensue.

Kumar also made specific comments to boost the morale of the forces, encouraging them to see their rescue operations as a revered duty that holds spiritual significance. He conveyed that their service is not only a critical responsibility but also a noble act of assisting pilgrims on their sacred journey.

Furthermore, Kumar 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 also 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 Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, scheduled from June 29 to August 19, 2024, is a deeply spiritual pilgrimage in Hinduism, honouring Lord Shiva. Pilgrims undertake a challenging trek to the Amarnath cave, where a natural ice formation, believed to be a manifestation of Shiva, is venerated.

Shri Kumar urged all teams to approach their duties with dedication and respect, as their efforts are integral to the success and sanctity of the pilgrimage. He concluded the review meeting by reiterating the importance of preparedness, coordination, and the spiritual value of their service.

For further details on the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, pilgrims and interested parties can visit the official website of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board or contact the designated help desks for assistance. In addition, JKP helplines will always be open for any kind of assistance.