Indian Army conducts disaster management drill 'Mountain Rescue'

JALANDHAR: Army has conducted a major Disaster Management Exercise called ' Mountain Rescue' in the western sector to practice evacuation of civilian population from the disaster affected areas in the remote hilly regions.

Army Aviation Corps and Air Force helicopters practised casualty evacuation drills this week in conjunction with the Special Forces and regular troops of Jutogh Battalion, a defence spokesman spokesman said here today.

"The aim of this exercise was to practice evacuation of civilian population from the disaster affected areas in the remote hilly regions," the spokesman said.

The exercise was conducted in conjunction with Civil Administration and Fire Service Department, he added.

Major calamities that have struck the Indian Sub Continent during the last decade have underscored the need to adopt a multi-dimensional, multi disciplinary and multi sectoral approach to Disaster Management, the spokesman said.

Within the ambit of this approach, the Armed Forces constitute a significant and potent entity available within the Central and State Governments for disaster response and relief, he said.

The Armed Forces, by virtue of their organisational strength, motivation, discipline and operational preparedness have always rose to the occasion, earning the appreciation of one and all for their singular contribution towards disaster management, he added.