Itanagar, Feb 25: Troops of the Gajraj Corps have successfully conducted specialised avalanche safety and rescue drills in collaboration with expert trainers from the Tiranga Mountain Rescue Team (TMR), significantly enhancing operational preparedness in extreme high-altitude terrain.
A Defence spokesman said the intensive training was held in remote frontier areas of Arunachal Pradesh across the rugged stretches of the Eastern Himalayas at altitudes exceeding 14,000 feet. The programme focused on avalanche risk assessment, rapid response protocols, casualty location and extraction techniques, snow survival strategies and critical decision-making under extreme weather and terrain conditions.
The immersive drills simulated real-life high-altitude emergencies, enabling troops to sharpen crisis response efficiency and strengthen life-saving competencies. Special emphasis was laid on coordinated team manoeuvres, use of specialised rescue equipment and maintaining operational sustainability in snow-bound and avalanche-prone sectors.
The joint initiative has significantly boosted operational readiness and reinforced the Corps’ capability to undertake safe, swift and sustained missions in some of the most formidable high-altitude terrains along the nation’s frontiers, he added.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, the Gajraj Corps responded swiftly to a major fire outbreak near Shaitan Bridge in Dahung area of Arunachal Pradesh. The rapidly spreading flames were advancing towards civilian settlements at Thiring Pum village under Singchung circle, posing a serious threat to lives, property and the surrounding natural habitat.
Troops were immediately mobilised to the affected site and, through coordinated firefighting efforts in close cooperation with local authorities and residents, successfully contained the blaze before it could engulf the village.
The prompt and decisive action of the Army averted a potential tragedy, ensuring the safety of civilians and protecting the fragile environment of the region. The operations once again underscored the Indian Army’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and supporting communities in remote and vulnerable areas.