Flags Off 45 Specialised Mountain Rescue Teams at 21 Locations Along Amarnath Yatra Route; Says Rising Cloudburst, Landslide Risks Demand Better Coordination; Gulmarg Rescuers to Receive DGP Commendation, Calls for Regular Joint Training of SDRF, NDRF, Police and MRTs
Srinagar, Jun 18 : Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Thursday emphasized the growing need for coordinated disaster response in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the increasing risk of cloudbursts and landslides in mountainous areas has made the role of rescue teams more critical than ever.
DGP J&K Nalin Prabhat flagged off 45 specialised Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) at 21 locations along the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra route and the Holy Cave. Equipped with enhanced resources and rescue equipment, the teams have been deployed to assist pilgrims and respond swiftly to emergencies during the annual pilgrimage.
Addressing SDRF personnel in Srinagar while flagging off the teams, DGP Prabhat, as per news agency JKNS, praised the performance of SDRF and Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs), recalling their efforts during the Gulmarg rescue operation.
“The passion, hard work and efficiency with which you worked that day was of global standards,” the DGP said, adding that he had promised recognition to all personnel who participated in the Gulmarg rescue mission.
He said the lists of personnel recommended for DGP commendation had been received and approved in principle, while the remaining recommendations from district police units were awaited.
Highlighting the importance of preparedness, Prabhat said training remains a fundamental requirement for every force and every challenging task. “There is no substitute for training,” he said.
The DGP stressed the need for joint exercises involving SDRF, NDRF, MRTs, police and other agencies to enhance interoperability and operational coordination during rescue missions.
“No matter how good your individual training is, unless you train jointly for interoperability, we will not be able to achieve the goal of jointness and jointmanship,” he said.
He congratulated the SDRF team for organizing a joint training capsule aimed at improving coordination among different rescue agencies and termed it a first-of-its-kind initiative.
Prabhat said such joint exercises should continue beyond the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and become a regular feature for all disaster response agencies.
Describing the NDRF as the “flag bearer” of disaster response in the country, the DGP said police and SDRF personnel should learn from its best practices in training, equipment and operational preparedness.
Expressing confidence in the arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Prabhat said authorities expected the same level of professionalism and performance from rescue teams that they had demonstrated in previous operations.
He concluded by congratulating all participating agencies and reaffirming confidence in their ability to respond effectively to emergencies. (JKNS)
