Jaisalmer (Rajasthan): The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is undertakin various measures to keep its officers and jawans fit to survive the tough conditions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The LAC is very hostile from every aspect like freezing temperatures and low levels of oxygen. All measures to protect them are being taken, ITBP Director General SS Deswal said Monday. He stated that the Ladakh region is ‘completely secure and the morale of the troops is high’.
The ITBP chief was speaking to reporters after finishing a three-day long 200 km ‘Fit India’ walkathon in the Thar Desert. The walkathon began October 31 and was flagged off by Union Sports minister Kiren Rijiju from the Nathuwala village in this district.
“We need to keep our force fit that guards the 3,488-km front with China. It is the world’s most difficult border and it is at an altitude of over 10,000 ft,” Deswal said. “Even a blade of grass does not grow there. The border area is marred by low oxygen levels and minus 45 degrees temperature during winters,” he added.
It is a hostile border in every aspect, asserted Deswal. “Hence, we have to ensure that our officers and jawans are healthy and fit to survive these tough conditions. We keep upgrading the training of our personnel so that they can render their task with efficiency,” he added.
Deswal was asked about the aim of undertaking the walkathon. The ITBP chief himself has undertaken a number of such fitness walks at various other locations in the past. He said that the aim of the walkathon is to spread awareness about fitness for a healthy nation.
The walkathon moved through sand dunes in areas like Sakhirewala, Bhuttewala, Katoch and culminated after crossing the Indira Gandhi canal here.
The ITBP, with about 90,000 personnel, is tasked to guard the 3,488-km LAC with China.