A distress call from the tranquil heights of the Sahyadris will now not go unattended.
A Pune-based NGO has launched an android-based app Trek Mate and a helpline, Mountaineers Rescue Coordination Centre (MMRCC), specifically for rookie or adventurous trekkers who may get lost or hurt themselves in the treacherous, mishap-prone terrain of the Sahyadris.
The app helps trekkers determine their location and can also be used to send messages to the helpline. One can call also call 7620230231 for help.
Bhushan Harshe, a member of Giripremi, the organisation that launched the helpline, said: “The Sahyadris are popular among trekkers, rock climbers, walkers and nature lovers. Nowadays, the number of people exploring the mountain range has increased manifold. The spot, being risky terrain, has witnessed many mishaps. If one meets with an accident in the Sahyadris, one has to call the police or the fire brigade, as there is no special rescue operation team.
The local police, on receiving the call for help, has to then seek expert advice before proceeding with the rescue operations. “It takes a fair amount of time,” he added.
“When we proposed the app to various trekking and mountaineering groups across the state, we got a good response. We have collaborated with 25 mountaineering clubs and have more than 350 volunteers across the state. We have the names, areas and numbers of these volunteers in our database. We are meeting new clubs and adding more adventurers as well,” Mr Harshe further said.
On getting a call on the helpline or a message on the app for help, the team will dispatch a message to the nearest volunteers. Those manning the helpline will also inform the police, fire brigade and an ambulance service. A volunteer will set out for the site of the accident immediately after receiving the message from the helpline.
Mr Harshe said, “The rescuer needs to carry ropes, first aid and other equipment. We are trying to have the rescuer reach the site within an hour of receiving our message.”
