Guwahati: Every monsoon, the people of Assam brace for a familiar yet devastating reality. As relentless rains lash the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, hundreds of swelling streams surge downstream, pouring vast volumes of water into Assam’s river systems. What begins as rainfall in the highlands soon turns into widespread flooding in the plains, submerging homes, farmlands and livelihoods—leaving thousands to grapple with nature’s recurring fury. Flood and rescue is always a challenge for the authorities in the state hence early preparation is the only way to stay alert.
The Red Horns Division of Gajraj Corps on behalf of Indian Army conducted a Joint Flood Relief Exercise “Jal Rahat” at IIT, Guwahati demonstrating inter agency coordination and disaster preparedness by flood relief columns of Army, NDRF, SDRF & SSB. The exercise showcased modalities of conduct of flood relief operations, role of various agencies, use of high end technology and innovative means for conduct of rescue operations during floods, informed PRO Defence Col. Mahendra Rawat.
Exercise JAL RAHAT was conceptualised and designed with an aim to enhance response capability in the event of severe flooding. A specialist team from the Indian Army, supported by other State Agencies depicted rescue missions incorporating and simulating actual scenarios, employment of drones for surveillance and logistic outreach of stranded villagers and evacuation of drowning individuals. Apart from this specialist teams of Army,
NDRF & SDRF showcased their skills in deep water rescue operations. It effectively exercised all stakeholders in conduct of relief operations in an effectively synchronised manner showcasing inter agency synergy and interoperability at challenging times of natural calamities. The exercise was witnessed by General Officer Commanding, Gajraj Corps, senior officials from Army, State Administration, SSB, CAPFs and disaster relief organisations and approximately 800 audience to include flood relief columns of Indian Army, cadets from NCC and NSS and students from various schools and colleges of Guwahati.
The operational readiness state of flood relief columns was overseen by Lt Gen Neeraj Shukla, General Officer Commanding of Gajraj Corps. He also addressed the august gathering and exhorted all ranks of Army, SSB, NDRF, SDRF and NCC Cadets for adopting whole of society approach for nation building by following the mantra of four ‘P’ – “PREDICT, PREPARE, PROTECT AND PROVIDE, thus leading to, further strengthening the interoperability and inter agency synergy to achieve the aim of “JANBHAGIDARI SE AAPDA PRABANDHAN”.
The events conducted during the exercise instilled a sense of assurance and faith among the spectators towards Army and other agencies for ensuring their safety in case of any crisis situation or natural calamity. Moving forward from here, the participating agencies in coordination with the Indian Army have committed towards conduct of regular joint training sessions, updation of SOPs and disaster relief plans and investing towards capacity building for effective emergency response mechanism. Further strengthening the motto of Exercise JAL RAHAT “Sanghatit Shakti Se Jan Aapda Suraksha”.
