Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - Live
Kasara Ghat group carries out rescue operations, saves 157 in different accidents
KASARA: More than 220 people from different villages of Kasara have come together and formed a Kasara Ghat rescue group to reduce the response time in case of any disasters.
The group, each of whom have varied jobs, was formed more than four years ago and has saved around 157 people in 100 different accidents along the Kasara Ghat. The Ghat has a steep slope and a deep valley, and has witnessed more than 450 accidents in the last five years, according to the police.
The team, which works closely with the police, took training in rappelling and rock climbing to aid them in the resManoj cue operations. The villagers who stay nearest to the spot of the disaster reach there to lend help.
The group has people from Igatpuri, Kasara, Khardi, Shahapur, Vasind and Padgha, most of them are in the age-group of 20 to 40 years. The endeavour started in 2017, when a few members witnessed an accident on their way home.
Shyam Dhumal, who does several odd jobs and a member of the rescue team, said, “A driver and cleaner of the truck carrying iron rods were stuck beneath the vehicle in a trench while people were helplessly looking on as no one had the expertise to help. Four of us decided to break open the door of the truck with whatever equipment we could find and also removed the rods simultaneously. This helped save two lives.”
More, another villager who also owns a shop, added, “While rescuing the two, we realised that there was a need for
a group that will immediately respond to any disaster around our villagers. Initially, about 20 people from Kasara joined us and later, those from the nearby villages came in, taking our strength to 220. Initially, we did not have equipment, but we helped in dousing vehicle fires, removing people stuck in cars and sending them to hospitals. Gradually, we bought a 350foot rope to rescue people fallen in the trenches along with harnesses, life jackets and boats.”
He added that their team had good divers, swimmers and people who have some knowledge of adventure sports. “We trained each other and also contributed money for all these gears. All of us have been here since childhood and know most of the shortcuts and routes to reach the accident spot.”
Tahshildar Nilima Suryamshi lauded the efforts of the team saying that though they have an official disaster management team, they do not have all the equipment. She added, “We have to call teams from nearby corposuch rations like Kalyan or Bhiwandi. However, Kasara is 60km away and takes time to reach. So, these villagers help us a lot in case of any disaster. They help in accidents, landslides, floods, drowning or railway accidents. They reach the spot first and all are well connected with each other. They have helped us save lives many a time.”
Deputy Superintendent of Police, N Dhavle, informed that around 450 accidents have taken place in the ghats in five years. “We call them immediately and know that help will reach those stuck in accidents immediately. They get into the trench or water with all their own equipment, help labourers during lockdown, help to manage landslide site, all without charging a dime.”