Army conducts disaster management exercise in HP

Shimla, Sep 2 (UNI) As part of its charter of duties in aid to civil authorities, the Indian Army's Western Command conducted a major disaster management exercise, 'Exercise Mountain Rescue' today at Annadale Ground here.

The aim of the exercise was to practice evacuation of civilian population from the disaster affected areas in the mountains.

Helicopters from the Army's aviation wing participated in the exercise along with troops from Western Command units stationed here.

The Army's aviation wing helicopters practiced casualty evacuation drills in conjunction with the troops from the units stationed in the capital hill resort. The exercise was conducted in conjunction with civil administration and troops from Home Guards and fire services.

Major calamities that have struck the Indian sub-continent during the last decade, have underscored the need to adopt a multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary approach to disaster management. Within the ambit of this approach, the Armed Forces constitute a significant and potent entity available with the Central and State Governments, for disaster response and relief.

The Armed Forces, by virtue of their organizational strength, motivation, discipline and operational preparedness, have always risen to the occasion, earning the appreciation of the environment for its singular contribution.

The organisational strength of the army formations and units were in full display during the exercise and the drills and rehearsals carried out at the exercise area by the Indian Army troops showed the dedication with which the disciplined Army personnel rise to the occasion by overcoming numerous challenges to provide immediate relief to the affected people. Army plans to conduct such exercises in future also to rehearse drills during disaster management.

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