The Ministry of Civil Defense, Emergencies and Disaster Relief (EMERCOM) is working to create a comprehensive security system, including ground and air groups, to provide safe navigation along the Northern Sea Route, reported the ministry's press service.

"EMERCOM of Russia jointly with other federal bodies of executive authority is set to provide what is required for safe navigation along the Northern Sea Route. To this end the ministry is creating a comprehensive security system in the Arctic area, including ground and air groups, as well as a test ground for promising technology, equipment, outfits and methods intended to be operated in low temperatures," says the report.

There are seven EMERCOM integrated emergency and rescue centers in the Arctic today involved in search and rescue operations in stretches of water, forest tundra and rendering various sorts of emergency help. Over the past three years, about 5,000 people, including 528 children, have been saved.

The ministry has also conducted a set of R&D as well as design and experimental projects for operations in an Arctic environment. Specifically, special fire-fighting and rescue hardware have been developed to be used in extreme cold weather.

It should be added that since 2011 the existing Russian EMERCOM force has been covering mainly the western part of the Arctic, which is the most developed area. There are plans to develop its eastern part as well, which will mean that decent conditions for life and work there should be created.