Bandipora, January 08: Indian Army Stationed in Gurez is training local youth volunteers to raise Avalanche Rescue Cadre who shall come to rescue in avalanche prone areas.
According to the statement issued to Kashmir Convener Army raised organises training for 23 youth volunteers from different villages of the Gurez valley as part of Skill Development programs undertaken by the Indian Army in Gurez this Year.
Gurez valley receives very high snowfall and becomes susceptible to avalanches posing grave danger for the civilians and Army personnel.
Spokesperson said the Army becomes first responders in such eventuality and in order to augment the reaction capability and minimise the time delay in saving precious lives, a team of 5-6 highly motivated volunteers from different villages are being trained on avalanche rescue techniques with state of the art equipment available with the Army.
The volunteers are being trained on Rope craft, negotiating snow and avalanche prone terrain, handling avalanche victim detectors, first aid to medical emergencies, survival techniques alongwith snow craft and skiing.
“Culmination of the cadre is planned on Republic Day where a display of the capabilities of the volunteers will be showcased and course completion certificates will be awarded to the participants,” reads the statement.
Spokesperson said the initiative will also provide a source of employment for the local youth as rescue operators will act as trek guides apart from broadening their horizons and acting as a trained manpower to tackle any eventuality.
