Amarnath Yatra Safety in Focus | ADGP L&O chairs key review with multi-agency forces

Srinagar, June 24: Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Law and Order, Vijay Kumar, Monday called for making the spiritual Amarnath Yatra safe and successful.

Chairing a comprehensive review meeting to ensure the safety and well-being of yatris during the Amarnath Yatra 2024 that saw the participation of 13 Armed Police teams, 11 SDRF teams, eight National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, four Border Security Force (BSF) teams, and two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) teams, Kumar, who also oversees the Armed Police and serves as Commandant General of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Civil Defence, and Home Guard J&K, briefed the teams on their specific duties and responsibilities during the yatra.

Accompanied by IG Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdi, DIG Armed and SDRF Shahid Mehraj, DIG Police CKR Rajiv Pandey, CO NDRF, and CO SDRF, he emphasised the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of the yatris and outlined the necessity for meticulous preparation and coordination among the teams.

One of the key aspects of the review was the assessment of the current state of equipment with each team.

The ADGP L&O made specific recommendations for necessary upgrades and stressed the importance of proper utilisation of resources.

He highlighted the need for waterproof clothing for the Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs), underlining that the fitness and proper gear of rescuers were crucial for effective rescue operations.

Additionally, Kumar reviewed the training status of the teams, taking stock of the training sessions conducted throughout the year.

He encouraged the teams to utilise their professional skills as per their training, noting that well-rehearsed manoeuvres are vital in disaster situations where panic can often ensue.

The ADGP L&O also made specific comments to boost the morale of the forces, encouraging them to view their rescue operations as a revered duty with spiritual significance.

He said that their service was not only a critical responsibility but also a noble act of assisting yatris on their sacred journey.

Kumar also reviewed the deployment pattern of the MRTs from all forces and made specific suggestions regarding the inclusion of additional sensitive locations, identified based on recent reviews of the yatra route.

He sensitised the teams to the recent Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) incidents that have occurred in various states, highlighting the challenges that climate change brings, especially to the work spectrum of the Disaster Response Forces of the nation.

The ADGP L&O emphasised the importance of preparedness, coordination, and the spiritual value of their service.

He urged all teams to approach their duties with dedication and respect, as their efforts were integral to the success and sanctity of the yatra.

Kumar reiterated the importance of being prepared, ensuring seamless coordination among all involved teams, and recognising the spiritual value of their service in making the yatra safe and successful.

The meeting brought together key MRTs from various security and disaster response agencies, including the SDRF J&K, J&K Armed Police, NDRF, BSF, and CRPF.

The Amarnath Yatra attracts lakhs of devotees to the Amarnath cave shrine, where a natural ice formation believed to be a manifestation of lord Shiva is venerated.