Western Command ramps up relief efforts in flood-ravaged Punjab, Himachal, and J-K

The Western Command has stepped up its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in flood-ravaged areas of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir, increasing its deployment to 59 columns, including 17 Engineer Task Forces. Heavy engineering equipment has also been mobilised to expedite repair and restoration works, with teams working round-the-clock to repair breaches and reopen critical lifelines.

Presently, an Indian Army team is deployed at Madhopur Headworks, which suffered heavy damage from high river water levels, to assist in early restoration. The operations were launched on August 26, and since then, 82 HADR missions have been executed. The Army has evacuated more than 6,000 persons, including approximately 300 paramilitary personnel, and provided medical assistance to over 13,000 persons, according to a spokesperson for the Western Command.

Essential supplies, including medicines, water, and 48 tonnes of rations, have been delivered to flood-affected areas via air drops and ground columns. Army Aviation and Indian Air Force assets, comprising three Dhruv ALHs, six MI-17s, six Cheetah helicopters, and one Chinook, have flown sorties totalling almost 300 hours to support relief efforts.

The Army is working in close coordination with the civil administration, National Disaster Response Force, and State Disaster Response Force to ensure optimal use of resources, timely relief, restoration of essential services, and rebuilding of damaged infrastructure. A flood control and water-level monitoring cell has been established at all headquarters, functioning round-the-clock to monitor water levels across major headworks, including Bhakra Dam, Ranjit Sagar Dam, and other critical points.

In the aftermath of recent floods, sustained efforts have been made to restore connectivity to a number of border outposts and adjoining areas that had been temporarily cut off. Dedicated engineer detachments have been deployed across affected regions to undertake urgent tasks critical to restoring normalcy and ensuring the safety of local communities.

Special attention has been given to areas severely impacted, where rapid restoration of infrastructure was vital for both operational and humanitarian reasons. Key engineering works include diversion of floodwaters in vulnerable pockets, repair of damaged bridges, restoration of washed-away stretches of road, and strengthening of embankments and anti-flood bundhs.