New Delhi, November 19 (IANS). The Indian Army has conducted a multilateral exercise to provide relief and assistance to deal with cyclone, disaster or crisis in the coastal area. This annual joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) exercise, ‘Joint Release 2024’ was held in Ahmedabad and Porbandar. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi participated in this important program.
It showcased India’s disaster response readiness. 15 senior officials and representatives from nine friendly countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Indian Ocean Region and South-East Asia also participated in the event. Here various agencies practiced operations, prompt action and effective disaster management in a simulated cyclone scenario. This program was a collaborative effort of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force and other central and state agencies in dealing with natural disasters. The protest program began with a demand for armed forces from the civilian administration.
Reconnaissance and surveillance was conducted by multi-entities in the affected area. After this, personnel were sent there for rescue operations. During the exercise, casualty evacuation was practiced with the help of deployed resources. It concluded on Tuesday with ‘resuscitation and rehabilitation’ of the affected citizens. The exercise, conducted by the Konark Corps of the Southern Command of the Indian Army, was conducted over two days from 18 to 19 November. The exercise included tabletop exercise on the topic ‘Cyclone in Coastal Area of Gujarat’.
The event was attended by representatives of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), Meteorological Department and FICCI as well as officers of the Indian Armed Forces. In line with the Self-reliant India initiative, this demonstration was accompanied by an industrial activity. It provided a platform for Indian defense industries to showcase their innovations and manufacturing capabilities in disaster response technology.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi appreciated all the participants for the professionally conducted exercise. The Chief of Army Staff reiterated India’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts in which our country has consistently emerged as a beacon of hope and support for many people across the world in times of crisis.
He said that India often provides significant assistance to countries and people in crisis. The Indian Armed Forces have played a significant role in disaster relief operations in recent years, including search and rescue missions, humanitarian assistance and provision of medical assistance. The Army Chief also appreciated the participants from Indian defense industries who displayed indigenous HADR equipment in line with the Government’s vision of a developed and self-reliant India.
The Chief of Army Staff also appreciated the participation of foreign representatives. The objective of the exercise was to bridge the gaps in inter-institution integration and cooperation and ensure rapid and coordinated response to natural disasters.
–IANS
GCB/ABM
