CRPF organises avalanche rescue awareness camp in Srinagar

Srinagar, Feb 17 (ANI): The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has organised an avalanche rescue awareness camp here on Monday after an avalanche struck at Khilanmarg area near Gulmarg on February 8.

The personnel were briefed about the dos and don'ts during the rescue operation. They were also taught the usage of avalanche chords, beacons, probes, shovels, and other equipment.

"Recently an avalanche hit the Gulmarg area, which cost us lives and damaged infrastructure. In that context, it is our duty to prepare our rescue team. I was briefing my rescue team regarding the relief and rescue work - How can we save lives of people during natural disasters like avalanche? I also told them how to use equipment during avalanche. This camp is a part of our regular drills." said D.K. Sharma, Instructor, Relief and Rescue in Avalanche Prone Areas.

The CRPF consider it as its duty to protect civilians during natural disaster, besides fighting the militants.

"It is very important for us to learn the dos and don'ts of relief and rescue, as the priority during a natural disaster is to save lives," said Suresh Kumar, a CRPF personal.

With this camp it seems the authorities are taking the avalanche threat more seriously then they used to. (ANI)