New Delhi, Nov 19 (UNI) The Indian Army successfully concluded the Multilateral Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise, ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ at Ahmedabad and Porbandar.
The exercise conducted by the Konark Corps of Southern Command of Indian Army, was conducted over two days from November 18 to 19, an official statement said.
General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff attended this significant event which showcased India’s disaster response readiness.
The inaugural event of the exercise at Ahmedabad on Monday featured a Table Top Exercise, focusing on the theme of ‘Cyclone in Coastal Region of Gujarat’.
Representatives from National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), Meteorological Department and FICCI attended the event along with Indian Armed Forces officials.
The second day witnessed multi-agency capability demonstration held at Chowpatty Beach at Porbandar on Tuesday.
The multi-agency capability demonstration featured various agencies practicing coordinated logistics, rapid response and effective disaster management strategies in a simulated cyclone scenario. This event highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force and other Central and state agencies in addressing natural disasters.
Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff lauded all participants for their efforts and dedication for organising this professionally conducted exercise and executing it with excellence and finesse.
The COAS reinforced India’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts wherein it has consistently emerged as a beacon of hope and assistance to many across the world in times of their crisis, in extending vital assistance to nations as well as peoples in distress.
The Indian Armed Forces, he said, “Has in recent years, played a pivotal role in disaster relief operations, including search and rescue missions, provision of humanitarian aid and medical support”.
The COAS also commended participants from Indian Industries, who had showcased indigenous HADR equipment, in line with the Government’s vision of a developed, self-reliant India.
He also appreciated the participation of foreign delegates, which expounded the Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”- the “World as One Family”.
The opening event of the exercise on Monday included a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) centered on the theme ‘Cyclone in the Coastal Region of Gujarat.’ The exercise simulated a disaster scenario affecting the cyclone-prone Okha-Porbandar coastline, where all participating agencies brainstormed disaster relief strategies and establishing effective joint mechanisms for implementation of those strategies.
As many as 15 senior officials and representatives from nine friendly foreign countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Indian Ocean Region and South East Asia attended this significant event on both days.
