SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army’s Vajra Corps, operating under the aegis of the Western Command headquarters, recently organized a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) disaster management exercise named ‘Vajra Sahayata.’ This two-day exercise, conducted on October 16 and 17, aimed to enhance preparedness and coordination for responding to CBRN-related emergencies.
The exercise commenced with a tabletop session on October 16, during which various stakeholders, including units from the Indian Army, representatives from the 7th and 13th National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) battalions, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) battalion, and the Punjab civil administration, convened to deliberate on their roles and responsibilities in managing CBRN disasters. The discussions also encompassed current capabilities and future development plans.
The tabletop exercise explored dynamic scenarios related to radiological and biological disaster incidents, allowing all participants to validate their responses and actions in a coordinated manner. It served as a critical platform for assessing readiness and fostering effective collaboration among the various entities involved in disaster management.
On October 17, the second phase of the exercise involved the mobilization of multiple Army teams as “second responders” to a simulated chemical gas leak. These deployments were initiated following requisitions by the state administration to mitigate the disaster effectively. This phase also provided an opportunity to evaluate the capabilities and response structures of the state civil administration, ensuring that they are well-prepared to handle such situations.
As part of the exercise, an equipment display was organized, showcasing the latest CBRN equipment and technologies available for disaster management.
The ‘Vajra Sahayata’ CBRN disaster management exercise underscores the commitment of the Indian Army to enhance its capabilities and preparedness in responding to a range of CBRN-related emergencies, thereby ensuring the safety and security of the region and its residents. Exercises like this play a vital role in building a robust disaster response framework, enabling swift and effective actions during times of crisis.
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