Face2News/Jalandhar/Chandigarh
Exercise VAJRA SAHAYATA, a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Disaster Management Exercise was conducted by Vajra Corps under the aegis of Head Quarters Western Command on 16th and 17th October 2023.
(MOREPIC1) (SUBHEAD)A Table Top Exercise was conducted on 16th October 2023, where in the participating units from Army, representatives of 7 and 13 NDRF Battalion, SDRF Battalion and Punjab State Civil Administration, deliberated the role, responsibilities, present and future capability development of all stake holders. Dynamic situations for Radiological and Biological disaster scenarios were discussed and the response and actions by all stake holders were validated.
On 17th October 2023, various teams of Indian Army were mobilised as 'Second Responders' to a chemical gas leak based on requisition by the state administration and depolyed to mitigate the disaster. The state civil administration capabilities and response structures were also validated. An equipment display was organised showcasing the CBRN equipment held with Indian Army and state agencies alongwith participation by private industries.
The exercise provided an opportunity to Indian Army to showcase its reaction and mitigation mechanism in concert with NDRF & civil administration during such deadly disasters. The participation by NDRF & SDRF teams ensured development of a coordinated and common response strategy. The exercise brought out important lessons that shall assist in ensuring joint response mechanism and develop better synergy in event of a CBRN Disaster.
