Indian Army Engineers (under Spear Corps) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted a joint three-day Disaster Relief Exercise named Exercise Raahat at Rangapahar Military Station, Nagaland, aimed at strengthening inter-agency coordination and disaster preparedness before the onset of the monsoon.
Objectives of Exercise Raahat
- Strengthen synergy between the Indian Army and NDRF in disaster management operations.
- Test real-time response mechanisms through war-gamed disaster scenarios and operational planning.
- Demonstrate and integrate cutting-edge disaster relief technologies and equipment.
- Train Flood Relief Columns of the Indian Army for coordinated response alongside NDRF.
Highlights of Exercise
| Activity | Key Focus |
| Planning Sessions | Joint scenario-based war-gaming, case study discussions, and dynamic group problem-solving sessions |
| Lecture-cum-Demonstration | Display of Army Sappers’ and NDRF’s disaster relief operations, medical aid, and advanced rescue techniques |
| Equipment Demonstration | Showcased advanced tools used by both Army and NDRF including flood rescue systems, boats, and emergency medical kits |
| Participation | Flood Relief Columns from multiple units under Spear Corps participated, enhancing multi-unit coordination |
Strategic Significance
| Strategic Benefit | Explanation |
| Inter-agency Coordination | Enhances cooperation between military and civilian disaster response forces |
| Operational Readiness | Prepares both forces for monsoon-related natural disasters, especially floods and landslides common in Northeast India |
| Community Impact | Ensures rapid response to save lives and infrastructure during real-time emergencies |
| Skill and Equipment Integration | Promotes the joint use of best practices and modern equipment for efficient relief operations |
Key Takeaway
Exercise Raahat reflects India’s growing emphasis on integrated disaster management operations involving military and civilian forces. As climate-induced disasters grow more frequent, such coordinated exercises form the backbone of rapid response and risk mitigation strategies in vulnerable regions like the Northeast.
About NDRF
| Feature | Details |
| Established | 2006, under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 |
| Parent Body | National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), under the Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Mandate | Specialized response to natural and man-made disasters across India |
| Structure | Comprises 16 battalions from BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and Assam Rifles |
| Core Capabilities | Search and rescue operations, chemical/biological disaster response, flood relief, urban rescue, training civilians and stakeholders in disaster preparedness |