The Indian Army has successfully completed its multilateral
combined Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, ‘Sanyukt
Vimochan 2024,’ in Ahmedabad and Porbandar. Led by the Konark Corps of the
Southern Command, the exercise took place over two days, from November 18 to
19, displaying India's disaster response abilities and preparedness.
The Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, attended
the occasion, stressing the significance of cooperation and readiness in
disaster relief. Representatives from numerous agencies, including the National
Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Gujarat State Disaster Management
Authority (GSDMA), and the Meteorological Department, participated alongside
Indian Armed Forces personnel.
The occasion started in Ahmedabad on November 18 with a
Tabletop Exercise (TTX) focusing on a simulated cyclone scenario in Gujarat's
coastal area. The TTX involved brainstorming sessions to strategize disaster
relief measures, enhance interagency coordination, and determine holes in
response mechanisms. Senior officers from nine friendly foreign nations,
including delegates from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Indian Ocean Region, and
Southeast Asia, also participated, enabling the exchange of internationally
best practices in disaster management.
On November 19, a live Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration
was performed at Chowpatty Beach, Porbandar. This simulation involved
coordinated reconnaissance, rescue, casualty evacuation, and rehabilitation
measures in response to a simulated cyclone. Agencies such as the Indian Navy,
Air Force, Coast Guard, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State
Disaster Response Force (SDRF) merged forces to display efficient disaster
management practices.
An industrial exhibition alongside the exercise displayed
ingenious disaster response technologies produced by Indian defense industries,
highlighting the country’s dedication to self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar
Bharat initiative. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
(FICCI) sponsored the event, presenting a platform for domestic industries to
show their contributions to disaster management.
Addressing the participants, General Upendra Dwivedi praised
the professionalism and coordination demonstrated during the exercise. He
restated India’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts, stating that the
Indian Armed Forces have always played a vital role in disaster relief operations
worldwide. The Chief of Army Staff also highlighted the significance of
international collaboration, saying that the exercise echoes India’s doctrine
of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family).
The participation of foreign delegates and international
collaboration in the exercise underlined its significance on the global stage.
By addressing interagency integration and fostering partnerships, ‘Sanyukt
Vimochan 2024’ marked a significant step in enhancing both national and global
disaster response capabilities.
The event concluded with a call for continued innovation and
cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, aligning India’s
preparedness with global standards while reinforcing its leadership in this
vital domain. (PR)