NEW DELHI: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is collaborating with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to deploy its rescuers alongside the border guarding force in high-altitude regions along the frontier with China.
This initiative aims to adequately prepare them before their deployment in the Himalayan ranges to undertake operations during disaster such as avalanches, landslides, and glacial lake outbursts.
NDRF Director General Atul Karwal stated during an event that discussions are underway with the ITBP to enable the personnel of the contingency force to be stationed in forward areas alongside the border guarding force. The plan involves establishing small teams of rescuers that can be co-located at ITBP outposts in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. Additionally, the NDRF is also consulting with the Border Security Force and the Sashastra Seema Bal, which guard borders with Pakistan, and Nepal and Bhutan, respectively.
According to a senior NDRF official, an action plan was formulated last year to deploy rescuers for managing natural and man-made disasters in the fragile mountain ranges of India’s north and northeast regions. This initiative is driven by concerns raised by experts regarding an anticipated increase in disasters in the Himalayas due to climate change and human interventions.
The NDRF has decided at a policy level to permanently station small teams at higher altitudes. “Four areas have been selected for the permanent placement of these teams: Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. Once established, these teams can be promptly mobilised in case of emergencies,” explained the DG.
He further emphasized the importance of pre-acclimatization, stating, “Even if the rescuers are stationed in a place like Srinagar (in Jammu and Kashmir), they cannot be immediately airlifted in the event of a disaster in higher regions as they are not acclimatised. Pre-acclimatisation throughout the year is essential.”