SSB puts 2,900 personnel on alert along Indo-Nepal border

Border force SSB has deployed a 2,900-strong contingent equipped with medical aid and food to help Indians returning from earthquake-hit Nepal and the affected locals.
The force, which guards the Indo-Nepal border, has also publicised its toll-free number "1903" to get in touch with its control room and senior officials who have been put on alert along this 1,751-km long boundary in the wake of the natural disaster.
"We have deployed about 30 medical teams at various locations along the Nepal border to assist the people who are coming back to India through the land route.
"All battalions and their commanders have been asked to maintain alert in case the force is asked for any immediate help in the neighbouring country or at locations within India in states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh," Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) chief B D Sharma told PTI here.

The Director General, who was part of the high-level review meeting presided by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh early today, said instructions have been issued to SSB border units to aid civil administration on both sides of the border in case of any need or emergency.
"One company (100 personnel) strength from each of our 29 battalions along this border have been kept on stand by for undertaking any immediate relief and rescue tasks," Sharma said, adding the force headquarters have asked the field commanders to help in easy movement of civilian vehicles as well as those of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh governments as they are being mobilised to bring Indians back from Nepal.