Indian Army Concludes ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ Disaster Exercise

Why in the news?

 The Indian Army successfully completed the ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ exercise in Gujarat, enhancing disaster response capabilities and fostering international cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

Indian Army Concludes 'Sanyukt Vimochan 2024' Disaster Exercise

Overview of the Exercise:

  • The Indian Army conducted the annual joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’, in Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat, on 18-19 November 2024.
  • The exercise, led by the Konark Corps of the Southern Command, featured a tabletop exercise (TTX) and a multi-agency demonstration.
  • The theme of the TTX was ‘Cyclone in Coastal Region of Gujarat’, focusing on disaster response and interagency cooperation.

Key Events and Demonstrations

  • The first day (18 November) involved a Tabletop Exercise in Ahmedabad with representatives from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), and other agencies.
  • On the second day, a Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration was held at Chowpatty Beach, Porbandar, showcasing coordinated disaster response strategies.
  • Agencies like the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, NDRF, and SDRF conducted rescue operations, casualty evacuations, and rehabilitation efforts in a simulated cyclone scenario.

About Sanyukt Vimochan 2024 Exercise:

  • Objective: Strengthen disaster response, improve interagency coordination, and foster international collaboration.
  • Location: Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat.
  • Organised By: Konark Corps of Southern Command, Indian Army.
  • Participants: Representatives from nine foreign countries, including GCC, Indian Ocean Region, and Southeast Asia.

Key Aspects:

  • Tabletop Exercise (TTX): Focused on cyclone response in Gujarat’s Okha-Porbandar coastline, enhancing disaster relief strategies and interagency coordination.
  • Multi-Agency Demonstration: Simulated cyclone scenario, showcasing reconnaissance, rescue, evacuation, and rehabilitation efforts.
  • Significance: Enhanced India’s disaster response capabilities, promoted international cooperation, and highlighted innovations for self-reliant disaster management.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times