Equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) and other instruments required to extract buried or stuck bodies, a hi-tech team on Monday left for Kedar Valley to dispose of the bodies scattered in the area.
The team, comprising officials from forest, fire, health and animal husbandry department and DNA expert, led by senior police officers would clear the area around Kedarnath Temple and would ensure cremation of the bodies lying at different spots there.
The team members would stay in the valley for seven days. After a week, the similar strength of the officials and cops, would replace them. The team reached Guptkashi on Monday morning. It would be landed in the temple area on Tuesday morning, if weather condition allows.
The team, on priority basis, would ensure cleanliness around the temple. The sanitation volunteers would assist the team. The team comprises a DNA expert from Hyderabad. He would guide the forensic science team to collect the DNA samples from the mutilated bodies. The expert is equipped with the apparatus required.
For the spot documentation of the formalities carried out before cremation of the bodies, the police personnel have been provided five laptops. They would document each and every thing then and there. They have also been given large capacity hard discs.
They are also equipped with GPS, mini cutters, and rucksack. Simultaneously, a team of police would also be dispatched from Sonprayag. This team will make efforts to reach the locations ahead of Sonprayag.
Director General of police Satyavrat said, “The team will clear the area around the temple. It will dispose off the bodies stuck at various spots in the spots around the temple. The team members will stay in the temporary camps in the area.”
Some mountaineers and members of Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) cell, commonly known as Guldar, have already reached Guptkashi. Moreover, Inspector general of police (law and Order) Ram Singh Meena, who arrived in Guptkashi on Monday, briefed the methods of working in tough terrains to the team members.
Deputy Inspector General of police (DIG) GS Martolia, in-charge of disaster relief work, also briefed the team members. Moreover, a deputy superintendent of police (Dy SP) and an additional superintendent of police (ASP), 33 sub inspectors, five head constables, 47 constables, a radio operator, and five head constables would reach the valley on Tuesday. More than 100 police personnel already reached Guptkashi.
In the meantime, public works department (PWD) has been asked to pave the way ahead of Sonprayag by repairing the damaged roads.
According to sources, the PWD has claimed that it will repair the route within next five days. It is likely to press more than 200 labourers into service.