Shillong, June 29: The Indian Air Force and Indian Army exercise JALRAHAT is underway. To enhance the special competencies or professional mastery of rescue and relief operations, frequent exercises are planned at regular intervals to enhance the capabilities and efficiency. Exercise ‘Jalrahat’ joint exercise of Indian Army Mountain Division and Indian Air Force was carried out ex Guwahati on 29 Jun16 to evaluate the existing procedures to meet such calamities in future. Defence Spokesperson Group Captain Amit Mahajan stated in a press release.
Towards this the IAF is displaying its exceptional capabilities of transport and helicopter fleet in challenging situations. The exercise will take preparation level of forces to higher level by developing more cohesion and working on the microscopic delivery parameter. The Air Force will be participating with Mi-17 class of Medium Lift Helicopters, displaying capabilities of dropping of food packets for people and winching up of people marooned in floods, as a life saving measure. Additionally AN- 32 would showcase capability of carriage of food and relief material to the affected areas.
In the NE region, HQ EAC embodies the spirit and virtue of IAF in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. The North eastern region is vast and has varied terrain which is prone to various natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, landslides and forest fires. IAF, through HQ EAC carries out HADR operations as and when required within the quickest possible time and with great élan in the region.
Assam with its vast network of rivers is prone to natural disasters like flood which is singularly different from other states so far as extent & duration of flooding is concerned and is probably the most acute and unique in the country. Post independence period, Assam faced major flood in 1954, 1962, 1972, 1977, 1984, 1988, 1998, 2002, 2004 and 2012. Almost every year, three to four waves of flood ravage the flood prone areas of Assam.
HADR is one of the most important peace time tasks entrusted to IAF. By virtue of its inherent capability, Indian Air Force is the first responder to any disaster relief effort both within India and its neighbourhood. The professionalism of IAF undertaking these relief missions is second to none and has been amply demonstrated during Op Maitri (Nepal), Op Rahat (Uttrakhand) and Op Megh Rahat (J&K). The IAF after proving itself in bringing succor to scores of people all over the country and abroad in the past few years reaffirms its commitment towards HADR in support of the nation.
Armed forces humanitarian assistance missions in response to these calamities have been vital and praise worthy. It is the focussed practice and dedicated efforts which gives the Armed forces the fulcrum in serving with perfection under such situations. Indian Air Force (IAF) has always been at the forefront of assisting civil administration during natural calamities and sustaining remote areas whenever asked to do so. Jointness in JALRAHAT seeks to achieve this efficiency. Thus, IAF and Indian Army regularly comes on a joint platform to achieve this.
