‘Tiger Division’s Engineering Wing Constructs 110-feet Bailey Bridge over washed away portion near Bhagwati Nagar within 12 hours’
Diplomat Correspondent
JAMMU: DD, Major General Mukesh Bhanwal, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Tiger Division, said that the Indian Army has successfully rescued, and provided relief to nearly a thousand people, who were trapped in different flood-hit areas across Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Pathankot and Gurdaspur, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and impacting the normal life of the people.
Responding with urgency, Maj Gen Mukesh Bhanwal said that the Indian Army immediately launched large-scale rescue and relief operations in close coordination with the civil administration.
“Since 26 August, Indian Army soldiers of Rising Star Corps have braved floodwaters and adverse weather, deploying multiple rescue columns supported by Army and Air Force helicopters,” he said.
While elaborating, he said that the Army proactively employed the required number of columns along with requisite equipment and rescued nearly 1,000 stranded personnel including children, students, and paramilitary personnel, while also restoring critical communication links to Jammu and Srinagar by swiftly laying alternative OFC lines.
Alongside rescue, the army also provided essential medical aid, food, and relief material were provided to affected families.
The floods also severely damaged the eastern portion of Tawi Bridge No. 4, a lifeline for movement in Jammu.
“With repair likely to take time, the Engineers of Tiger Division laid a 110-feet Bailey bridge under challenging conditions, overcoming washed-out approaches and limited workspace. The bridge has been completed in less than 12 hours, enabling vehicular movement,” he informed.
The Indian Army’s efforts have been in close coordination with civil administration and all agencies. Additional Army resources remain on standby to tackle any emerging challenges.DD
