Police personnel on a trekking at Karivaradaraja Hill near Chamarajanagar.
Credit: DH Photo
Chamarajanagar: The Chamarajanagar superintendent of police has launched a programme - trekking to Kavivaradaraja Betta - to ensure physical fitness of police personnel.
The programme was launched on an experimental basis, two months ago to check obesity among the police personnel. It has been useful as many have lost around two to five kgs in two months.
The officers and staff of six police stations in Chamarajanagar city are taking part in the trekking at the popular trekking spot of Karivaradaraja Hill.
Superintendent of Police B T Kavitha said: “Most of the officers and staff participating in the trekking for the last two months have achieved good results in a short time. Some have lost weight from 2 kgs to 5 kgs. It has also helped them to keep other diseases under control”.
Police personnel always work under stress. They are not able to find time to take care of their health between the duty and the family pressure. There were complaints of obesity, diabetes, blood pressure and other health issues - all affecting their efficiency. Hence, the trekking programme was started, the SP said.
The personne losing weight were also seen active while on duty. There are plans to extend it to all the police stations in the district, she said.
The staff of each police station (except those assigned for emergency duties) participate in the trekking. Each station takes turns once a week, ensuring there is no disruption in performing their duties. It has been successfully conducted for the last two months.
The schedule on which station should participate in trekking is decided in advance. Accordingly, everyone reaches Karivaradaraja Hill, located six km away, by vehicles.
The trekking begins at 6 am and continues till 9 am, covering a minimum distance of five kilometres, Kavitha said.
Meditation
After climbing the hill, they engage in meditation and yoga for around 15 to 20 minutes. Later, they climb down the hill, and attend to their duties. Around 20 to 25 people take part in the trekking every day, the SP said.
Trekking is not mandatory. For those suffering from knee pain and other health issues and those who find it difficult to climb the hill are exempted. Some walk at foothills, according to the employees.