J-K: CRPF upgrades troop accommodation with weather-resistant huts in Banihal camp
By Rajnish Singh, Ramban, June 30
Specially designed insulated huts are being set up for Central Reserve Police Force personnel at Lambar Ground in the Banihal area of Ramban district.
The new accommodation will replace the old tin sheds, providing better protection against the region's extreme and rapidly changing weather conditions.
The modern huts are expected to improve the comfort and operational readiness of security personnel deployed for round-the-clock duties, particularly during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
The new insulated huts will enhance living conditions for CRPF personnel in Banihal. Similarly, accommodation is expected to be established at some more locations.
Deputy Commandant Kasif Faheem emphasised that these PF huts with puffing walls are an upgrade from old tin huts, which used to be uncomfortable in the changing weather.
"As you can see, the Banihal area is very volatile, and the weather gets down instantly. Previously, tin sheds were used, which became extremely hot in summer and cold in winter...Now, under the initiative of DG CRPF, new PF huts with puffing walls are being constructed. The aim is to ensure that CRPF personnel can perform their duties comfortably, regardless of the weather," he said.
He further highlighted that these huts are designed to maintain a comfortable temperature both inside and outside, featuring a mattress-like foam layer that insulates against external temperature fluctuations.
This development comes ahead of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, which is set to commence on July 3. Security forces have also established a multi-layered aerial surveillance and anti-drone security grid along the Amarnath Yatra route, deploying advanced technologies to ensure foolproof security for pilgrims undertaking the annual pilgrimage.
The annual pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave shrine, situated at an altitude of around 3,880 metres in the Himalayas of south Kashmir, is one of the country's most significant religious pilgrimages. Devotees undertake the yatra to pay obeisance to the naturally formed ice Shivling, believed to symbolise Lord Shiva.
The 57-day pilgrimage this year will commence simultaneously from the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district on July 3. The yatra will conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see infrastructure improvements for forces deployed in difficult terrain. But the article doesn't mention how many jawans will actually benefit from this. Is it just one camp or multiple locations across Banihal?
This is exactly what we need more of—practical welfare for our security forces. They protect the nation and pilgrims during Amarnath Yatra, so comfortable accommodation is the least we can offer. Kudos to DG CRPF for this initiative! 🙏
As a former military guy, I appreciate seeing this. Troops in extreme climates deserve quality shelters. "Puffing walls" sounds like they're using insulated panels, probably polyurethane foam. Smart upgrade—thermal efficiency is crucial in the Himalayas.
Good development, but let's not forget that the Yatra security burden also falls on local police and paramilitary. Hope their barracks get similar upgrades too. And please keep anti-drone systems updated—terrorists are always finding new ways.
On one hand we spend crores on VVIP security and comfort, on the other hand our brave jawans were living in tin sheds. Better late than never, but the government should be doing this proactively across all sensitive posts, not just before a high-profile yatra.
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