Baltal, Jul 7: As the annual Amarnath Yatra 2025 progresses through the steep and unforgiving terrain of Kashmir’s Himalayas, Mountain Rescue Teams (MRT) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed at the Baltal axis are emerging as a critical pillar in ensuring the safety and support of thousands of pilgrims undertaking the spiritual journey.
The MRT units, composed of highly trained and physically robust personnel, have been stationed at vulnerable stretches of the route where altitude sickness, exhaustion, and terrain-related accidents are most likely to occur. These elite teams are equipped and trained to perform rapid-response rescue missions, provide on-spot medical aid, and evacuate ailing or injured yatris to safer zones or medical facilities.
“Our aim is to take a holistic approach to conduct and ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims at Baltal axis,” said Sudhir Kumar, DIG and Joint Nodal Officer of CRPF, Baltal axis. “This is being done with the active coordination and support of all stakeholders, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police.”
The Baltal route, known for being shorter but more arduous compared to the Pahalgam axis, sees a high density of pilgrim traffic. In such an environment, the role of MRT personnel is indispensable, not just in responding to emergencies, but in preemptively identifying those at risk due to fatigue or altitude-related ailments.
In addition to rescues, MRT personnel are also involved in guiding pilgrims, managing crowd movement, and supporting medical teams and civil administration when required.
As the pilgrimage continues, the presence of such specialized units has provided a sense of reassurance to yatris and their families, who know that expert help is available in even the most remote stretches of the sacred trail. (KNT)
MRTs emerge lifeline for yatris at Baltal
