FROM OUR REPORTER
SHILLONG, Feb 28: A two-day semir on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), hosted by Eastern Air Command, got underway at Upper Shillong on Sunday.
The semir aims to synergize the efforts of all stakeholders in understanding HADR operations conducted by IAF.
The semir will provide a clearer understanding of the scope, role and task including challenges in air operations that need to be understood by all stakeholders for optimal result-oriented efforts of IAF in all HADR missions.
The semir will also eble IAF operators to exchange ideas and understand constraints of other agencies involved during HADR operations.
A review of IAF’s role in HADR, military paradigm and mutual cooperation including use of highways as an altertive for air operations during crisis, HADR in remote in remote locations specific to North Eastern states, and air maintence task by IAF in the region are among the topics to be discussed during the semir.
A static display of some of the armed IAF helicopters that operate in HADR missions was also held at the Upper Shillong ALG for the participants. The three helicopters on display included a Mi-17 V5, Advanced Light Helicopter and Chetak each in their HADR and armed configurations.
Senior officials from the seven North Eastern states, Sikkim, West Bengal, Army, vy, Indian Oil Corporation, BSNL, Central Police Organisations, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Airport Authority of India, tiol Disaster Magement Authority were among the delegates at the semir.