Jalrahat Commenced at Narangi Cantonment
Guwahati
The much awaited event, Exercise JALRAHAT commenced today at Narangi Cantonment. Taking the leaf from the latest National Disaster Management Policy – 2016 and the call given by the Prime Minister urging the enhanced cooperation and involvement by Armed Forces in mitigating disasters, the Exercise JALRAHAT is a joint initiative taken by the Assam State Govt and the Armed Forces that is being led by GAJRAJ Corps with full support from HQ Eastern Command.
The exercise commenced with the Opening Address delivered by Lt Gen D Anbu, AVSM,YSM, SM, GOC GAJRAJ Corps who stressed upon the need for integrating the key facets of the NDMP-2016 guidelines to include understanding and strengthening disaster risks, governance to manage disaster risks, investing in disaster risk reduction and enhancing disaster preparedness.
Thereafter, the Chief Secretary, Shri VK Pipersenia commended the ASDMA and the Armed Forces for taking the unique initiative, first of its kind to spread awareness amongst various stakeholders about each other’s role, tasks and capabilities.
Proceedings thereafter followed a series of presentations and brain storming sessions with Syndicates co-opting different agencies responsible for disaster management. Healthy discussion pursued with syndicates deliberating upon issues ranging from Preparation, Planning, Early Warning and Immediate Response to Relief and Rehabilitation measures. The keen interest and participation of the stake holders adequately displayed that this exercise is heading on to become an epitome in the field of planning and preparation for taking on the menace of Urban Flooding head on with the firm resolve to build resilience in the society to stand up to such a calamity and come out victorious.
It is pertinent to mention that in addition to Exercise Jalrahat based on Flood Relief in an urban setting, Indian Navy will be carrying out Exercise Prakampana based on relief and assistance in case of a super cyclone at Vizag, Andhra Pradesh in August 2016 and Indian Air Force will be undertaking Exercise Sahayta based on relief and assistance in case of a major earthquake at Bhuj, Gujrat. All these will be joint exercises like Exercise Jalrahat.
The First Day of Exercise ended on a positive note. The Exercise spread over three days will witness the outdoor display and demonstration on 29 Jun 16 before terminating with Lessons Learnt on 30th of Jun 16.
