The much awaited event, Exercise Jalrahat commenced at Narangi Cantt. Taking the leaf from the latest National Disaster Management Policy (NDMP) 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 Government 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 General 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 V.K. 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 brainstorming 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 stakeholders 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, Gujarat. All these will be joint exercises like Exercise Jalrahat.

The exercise spread over three days will witnessed the outdoor display and demonstration on June, 29, 2016, before terminating with lessons learnt on June 30, 2016.