Srinagar, Aug 7: The Mountaineering Rescue Team (MRT) has rescued 810 pilgrims on both routes of the Amarnath holy cave in the last 39 days.
Led by Ram Singh, an inspector of Jammu and Kashmir police, at least 13 teams remain deputed at various locations on Pahalgam and Baltal route.
From rescuing pilgrims from deep gorges to offering immediate first aid, the MRT saves the lives of pilgrims every year.
“Ahead of the beginning of the pilgrimage, the Mountaineering Rescue Team (MRT) undergoes a fresh and refreshing course to ensure the protection of the pilgrims on their way to the holy cave. The MRT was established in 2009 with two teams initially. Since 2009, we have rescued thousands of people and saved their lives,” Singh told The Kashmir Monitor.
In the last 39 days of the yatra, the MRT has rescued 810 pilgrims on both routes to the holy cave. “Some were rescued after falling into a deep gorge. Many suffered heart attacks and were saved after timely intervention by MRT. Oxygen was provided to 16887 pilgrims,” Singh said.
Mountaineering rescue teams, composed of skilled climbers and trained personnel are stationed along the arduous route to Amarnath Cave.
Their primary responsibility, as per Singh, is to respond swiftly to emergencies, whether it’s rescuing pilgrims from life-threatening situations like avalanches or landslides, or providing medical assistance in cases of high-altitude sickness.
These teams are equipped with advanced mountaineering gear, rescue equipment, and communication devices to ensure they can operate efficiently in a challenging environment. Their knowledge of the terrain, combined with their training in high-altitude rescue operations, makes them indispensable during the Yatra.
Singh said the MRT overcomes various challenges en route to the cave during rescue operations. “Sometimes the weather is adverse and often rescuing people from gorges is challenging. But we are qualified for this job and undergo training to save people in adverse conditions,” he said.
Apart from Amarnath yatra, the MRT also is the first choice during the incident of avalanches.
“Our teams also remain deputed at Gulmarg to save people trapped in avalanches. We also give rescue training to NDRF, SDRF, and J&K police,” Singh said.
