1300 soldiers imparted special training to counter any challenges to Amarnath Yatra

Srinagar, Mar 30:The government has trained 1300 soldiers with mountaineering and rescue operation drills to counter possible threats and dangers to Hindu pilgrims for upcoming Amarnath Yatra which is expected to commence from ending June.

With hundreds and thousands of Hindus coming to the pilgrimage and amid the rugged, inaccessible terrain, authorities said preparations are underway to ensure safety and security of the devotees. Special attention will be given on disaster management and rescue operations, the official said.

Quoting an official, news agency KNO reported that the soldiers are being equipped to mitigate the challenges encountered by pilgrims along the route.

"Rigorous training programs are conducted to hone the skills of team members, many of whom have previously undertaken life-saving missions during earlier pilgrimages," said the official.

Personnel from different agencies including police, paramilitary units, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are undergoing specialised training in the hilly areas of Nad and Samba.

The official said 260 soldiers and officers from seven-batches have already completed their training while other are undergoing 'rigorous instructions.'

The training regimen encompasses a wide array of skills essential for disaster management, including rescue operations in the event of landslides, floods, fires, and road accidents. Personnel are trained in rope bridge construction, safe extraction of injured individuals from hazardous locations, and other life-saving techniques tailored to the challenging terrain of Jammu and Kashmir.

While adverse weather conditions, particularly snowfall along the Pahalgam and Baltal routes may temporarily impede progress, security forces remain on standby at entry points to both routes.

As snow melts and conditions improve, efforts to enhance travel infrastructure and logistical arrangements will be accelerated to ensure a seamless pilgrimage experience for the pilgrims, said the official.

The formation of the Mountaineering Rescue Team in 2009 marked a significant milestone in disaster preparedness for the Amarnath Yatra. Over the years, the team has continually refined its capabilities, with approximately five thousand soldiers receiving specialized training and saving many lives.