Chandigarh: The Western Command of the Indian Army has been conducting extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions under Operation Rahat since August 26, reaching flood-affected regions across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
So far, 82 operations have been carried out with the deployment of 59 Army columns, including 17 Engineer Task Forces, leading to the safe evacuation of more than 6,000 people, among them 300 PMF personnel. Over 13,000 citizens have received medical treatment, including critical patients airlifted to hospitals.
To sustain relief efforts, the Army has delivered 48 tons of food, medicines, and drinking water through a mix of airdrops and convoys. Army Aviation and Air Force assets including 3 ALHs, 6 MI-17s, 6 Cheetah helicopters, and 1 Chinook have flown over 250 hours of sorties, strengthening rescue and supply missions.
Working in close coordination with civil authorities, NDRF, and SDRF teams, Army engineers have diverted floodwaters, repaired damaged bridges, restored washed-away roads, and reinforced embankments. At Madhopur Headworks, troops remain stationed for emergency restoration work.
Among notable achievements, the Army laid over 2 km of optical fiber cable on August 27 to restore mobile connectivity in Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu, and built a Bailey bridge over Jammu Tawi within 12 hours on August 29, restoring a critical route to the city.
Relief camps and community kitchens have also been set up, offering medical aid, preventive health services, and cooked meals to displaced residents. Dedicated Flood Control and Water Monitoring Cells have been established at key headquarters to track water levels at Bhakra Nangal and Ranjit Sagar dams.
On August 30, Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, Army Commander of the Western Command, visited the forward areas to review relief work. He praised the synergy between the Army, civil administration, and disaster response agencies, calling it crucial in handling disasters of this scale.
Operation Rahat underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to saving lives and restoring normalcy, proving once again its role as a pillar of strength in times of national crises.
