Date: 18-19 November 2024 Location: Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat Organized by: Indian Army's Konark Corps of Southern Command

OVERVIEW

  • The Indian Army successfully concluded the 'Sanyukt Vimochan 2024', a Multilateral Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise, held in Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat, from 18th to 19th November 2024.
  • The exercise was attended by Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), who lauded the efforts of all participants and reaffirmed India's leadership role in global humanitarian efforts.

KEY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

  • Table Top Exercise (18th November 2024):
    • Focus: Cyclone in the Coastal Region of Gujarat
    • Location: Ahmedabad
    • Participants: Representatives from National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), Meteorological Department, FICCI, along with officials from the Indian Armed Forces.
    • Objective: To simulate a disaster scenario involving a cyclone affecting Gujarat's coastline, focusing on developing and improving disaster relief strategies, interagency coordination, and disaster response
  • Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration (19th November 2024):
    • Location: Chowpatty Beach, Porbandar
    • Scenario: Simulated cyclone disaster response operation.
    • Agencies involved: Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with other Central and State agencies.
    • Activities:
      • Logistics coordination and rapid response in disaster management.
      • Rescue operations, casualty evacuation, and rehabilitation of affected citizens.
      • Surveillance and reconnaissance of the affected area by multi-agency teams.
      • Focus on collaboration, technology integration, and effective disaster response.

INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION

  • Foreign Delegates: 15 senior officials from nine friendly foreign countries attended the exercise, representing regions such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and SouthEast Asia.
  • Their participation was aimed at sharing best practices and enhancing international cooperation in disaster management.
  • The exercise highlighted India's commitment to the global humanitarian community, as symbolized by the Indian philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" – "The World as One Family."

OUTCOMES

  • Enhanced National Disaster Response: The exercise strengthened India's preparedness to handle large-scale natural disasters.
  • Global Leadership in HADR: India's efforts in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief were further solidified, as the exercise showcased India's capabilities on the global stage.
  • Collaborative Global Disaster Management: The event facilitated knowledge exchange among international participants, contributing to the broader global dialogue on disaster relief.