'18 soldiers killed due to avalanche, landslide last winter'

A total of 18 soldiers were martyred last winter due to avalanche and landslide, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said today.
Parrikar said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha that 15 soldiers were martyred due to avalanche and 3 due to landslide from October 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016.
Immediate efforts in terms of rescue teams comprising ice craft experts, medical representatives and porters equipped with state-of-the-art equipment were mobilised to locations, he said.
He said the troops posted in high altitude areas are trained in basic and advance skills in mountains and snow bound areas. Troops posted in 'avalanche-prone areas' are subjected to series of training in the field formation area.

Best quality of winter clothing and equipment are procured to prevent weather related casualties. Modern means of conveyance like snow scooters are utilised to ensure timely reaction to any eventuality and reduce fatigue, the minister told the House.
A number of specialised equipment have also been deployed in avalanche-prone areas, he added.