“The fact that our policemen are extremely stressed out due to their work schedules and infrequent periods of relaxation is not something that should be taken lightly. Moreover, there have been many articles in newspapers in the past about policemen dying due to heart attacks or committing suicides due to extreme stress resulting in depression,” says Rao. “Realising that while common citizens like us celebrate our festivals, be it Diwali or Ganesh Chaturthi, these policemen are on constant duty for our safety and security without any break in the sense of relaxing or having any spare time for their friends and families.” With the view that a policeman will be able to perform his duties more efficiently if he finds a way to beat that stress, TravelOrg decided to organise a series of outings for them.

So, some 50 policemen from various police stations of Mumbai have made the trip to Khandala since the trip-series was launched on January 21. Every week, one batch of 40 to 50 policemen will be sent to indulge in some trekking, rappelling, rock climbing and also to learn some yoga. “These sessions are conducted by trained professionals employed by us so that the policemen get the best of what they are promised by us,” says Rao.

On their part, the policemen are clearly glad at the unexpected dose of rest and relaxation. Senior Police Inspector Dagdu Mali says: “Such outings are definitely needed. Ours is a work schedule that not many can understand. The daily bustle and the stress arising out of our work take its toll on us. After all, we too are humans.” He recounts his two days in Khandala as “heavenly”. Close to nature, they nearly forgot the demands of urban policing. “I am feeling much better, both physically and mentally, after the trip,” Mali says.

Constable Rajendra Bhatane agrees. “In our normal lives, even when we have a weekly off, we cannot really indulge in anything really relaxing since we have other responsibilities or family obligations. This was different-we were completely separated from the entire urban landscape that we are used to all the time and being in the midst of nature really refreshed us.”

For Mumbai’s crime-busters, this is something to look forward to: Away from the grime and the grit of their daily lives, and a chance to let their hair down.