TAWANG, May 12: In a significant step towards enhancing disaster preparedness in India’s high-altitude frontier regions, the Indian Army, in close coordination with the Tawang District Administration, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and paramilitary forces, successfully conducted a large-scale two-day disaster management exercise, ‘JAL AAPDA’, in Tawang sector from May 11 to 12.
The exercise aimed at strengthening preparedness and rapid response mechanisms against flash floods, mudslides and debris-flow disasters that frequently threaten remote Himalayan regions.
Nestled along the extension of the Tibetan plateau and traversed by fast-flowing rivers such as the Nyamjang Chu and Tawang Chu, Tawang remains highly vulnerable to sudden natural calamities triggered by extreme weather conditions, glacial activity and unstable mountain terrain. With the Himalayan belt witnessing increasing incidents of intense rainfall and landslides in recent years, the need for integrated disaster management and seamless civil-military coordination has become more critical than ever.
Exercise ‘JAL AAPDA’ brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including the Indian Army, SDRF, civil administration, Army Aviation, Indian Air Force helicopter elements, NCC volunteers, NGOs and local representatives. The first day focused on planning, coordination and knowledge-sharing sessions. Static displays and operational briefings highlighted the capabilities of specialised disaster response columns, rescue equipment and aerial evacuation assets available for operations in difficult terrain.
A key highlight of the exercise was an in-depth presentation and analysis of the Dharali mudslide disaster in Uttarakhand in August 2025. Disaster management experts and officials deliberated on crucial lessons learnt from the tragedy, particularly in the areas of early warning systems, evacuation protocols, communication resilience and inter-agency coordination during large-scale emergencies. These insights were subsequently incorporated into operational planning for Tawang Sector to further enhance local preparedness and response capability.
On the second day, a realistic simulation of a major mud and debris slide was conducted at Bomdir Nallah. The scenario involved real-time activation of the Joint Control Centre and District Incident Response Team. Multiple rescue columns carried out coordinated search-and-rescue operations, casualty evacuation, relief distribution and restoration of connectivity under simulated disaster conditions.
Modern technologies and specialised capabilities, including heavy plant equipment, drones for search and area mapping, and satellite-based mobile communication systems, were integrated and validated during the exercise, showcasing the Army’s evolving disaster response capabilities in challenging high-altitude terrain.
The live demonstrations underscored the importance of swift decision-making, close coordination between military and civil agencies, and timely mobilisation of rescue resources in remote mountainous regions where terrain and weather often pose major operational challenges.
Senior officials associated with the exercise emphasised that such joint drills are vital for improving interoperability among agencies and ensuring rapid humanitarian assistance during natural disasters. They also reaffirmed the Indian Army’s pivotal role in supporting civil authorities during emergencies in remote border areas.
Exercise ‘JAL AAPDA’ reaffirmed the Army’s unwavering commitment towards safeguarding lives, strengthening community resilience and maintaining a high state of readiness for disaster response operations in the high-altitude regions of Arunachal Pradesh. (DIPRO)