SHILLONG: A two-day seminar on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) being hosted by HQs Eastern Air Command got underway at Upper Shillong on Sunday.
The seminar – a first of its kind initiative by the Indian Air Force, in the calamity-prone region of the northeast and adjoining states aims to synergise the efforts of all stakeholders in understanding HADR operations conducted by IAF, which is invariably among the first responders during crisis.
Senior officials from the seven Northeastern states, Sikkim, West Bengal, Army, Navy, Indian Oil Corporation, BSNL, Central Police Organisations, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Airport Authority of India, National Disaster Management Authority are among the delegates at the seminar.
The delegates were welcomed on behalf of Air Marshal C Hari Kumar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, EAC under whose directions the ‘inclusive seminar’ is being conducted.
He will address the delegates at the concluding session of the seminar on Monday.
The seminar aims to provide a clear 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 seminar will also enable IAF operators to exchange ideas and understand constraints of other agencies involved during HADR operations.
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.
