HYDERABAD: Something as mundane as a dry hollow bamboo stem too can come in handy for special forces in the middle of an anti-terror operation. Take this, four commandos hold a bamboo stem and run towards a wall. As they get close, the one closest to the wall, without slowing down, continues his run up the wall until he reaches the landing of the first floor. The second commando follows him and he too reaches the landing. The duo then drops a rope ladder for those on the ground to climb. This is bamboo technique, one of the tactical uses of anything available in the surrounding while in an operation.
The display of various skills and techniques used during any operation was part of the inauguration of the 28 Special Composite Group (SCG) complex of the regional hub of NSG at Ibrahimpatnam near here.
The SCG complex, sprawling over 200-acre campus, is equipped with structures for building intervention, artificial rock craft wall, structures for obstacle course, facility for Japanese martial arts dojo, a large-sized swimming pool and others.
Water scarcity, lack of good road
If, at all, the campus lacks anything, it is adequate supply of water. And, also a proper road. At present, the SCG complex is reached by a couple of kilometres of narrow by-lanes in a densely-populated settlement. The two issues were raised by Pramod Phalnikar, IG (Headquarters) of NSG, while making a PPT presentation before Union home minister Rajnath Singh. In the same breath, he said, solutions are being sought in that regard. While a new approach road to the SCG complex is being laid and will take a few months’ time for completion, water is being drawn from the Krishna river water project.
“There are hundreds of personnel living on the campus along with their families. While every other facility is great, water is in short supply. The terrain is hilly and rocky, and I don’t think even having a few more borewells would help,” said an NSG commando on condition of anonymity. Another commando chipped in to say, “We have moved into a new place and we are, however, confident that the problem will be solved soon.”
In view of the visit of Rajnath Singh, state home minister Nayini Narasimha Reddy, DGP M.Mahendar Reddy, additional DGs, former DGPs and other dignitaries, the entire area leading to the SCG campus was combed on Tuesday too. Residents confined themselves to home and youngsters were not allowed to come out on the road.