All affected village cleared of explosives in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 30 (UNI) After clearing unexploded shells and other bombs from all the 15 villages affected by fire and explosions in 21 Field Ordnance Depot at Khandroo, the army has pressed into service 100 Bomb disposal teams and trained dogs to clear the fields and orchards.

A defence ministry spokesman said here today that immediately after the fire in the depot on August 11 at Khandroo in south Kashmir, a massive clearance operation was launched by the Indian Army and Civil Administration.

Close to 100 Bomb Disposal Teams have been working tirelessly to clear the area of unexploded bombs and shells, he said adding 15 villages have been cleared in a record time of 17 days.

Bomb disposal teams working round the clock for clearance of dangerous explosive material which spilled all over have been able to ensure that villagers return to their homes safely.

In addition, he said, roads in these affected villages were addressed on priority. Roads Acchabal-Shangas, Khundru-Darpura, Naugam-Darpura, Naugam-Phelu, Phelu-Kuther, Kuther-Pushpur, Sambran-Wokhil Balan, Nagdandi-Acchabal and Nagdandi-Shangas have been cleared for traffic.

He said clearing of fields and orchards has now started and Bomb Disposal Teams have been divided into seven groups to speed up the work.

However, he said, clearing fields and orchards is a slow and dangerous process as locating small pieces of explosives is all the more difficult due to undergrowth.

Army Mine and Explosive Detection dogs have also been pressed into service to assist in speedy clearance of these areas.

It is advised that civilians returning to the area should continue to take precautions and remain vigilant. In case they come across any suspicious object they should immediately contact the joint Control Centre established by the Army and Civil administration, he said.

UNI