How the Armed Forces Contribute to Disaster Management in India

When disaster strikes, the immediate response can mean the difference between life and death. In India, where natural calamities frequently affect vast regions and millions of people, the armed forces have become an indispensable part of the nation’s disaster management framework. Their disciplined personnel, specialized equipment, and rapid deployment capabilities make them uniquely positioned to respond when disasters overwhelm civilian authorities.

Understanding the dual roles of armed forces in disaster management 🔗

The Indian armed forces operate under a clearly defined dual mandate in disaster management. Their primary role remains national defense and security, but they also serve as crucial first responders during major disasters. This dual responsibility creates a unique dynamic where military resources must balance defense preparedness with humanitarian assistance.

According to General N.C. Vij, former Vice Chairman of NDMA, the armed forces are conceptually expected to intervene only when situations exceed civilian capabilities. However, in practice, they form the core of government response capacity and have become crucial immediate responders in all serious disaster situations. The military’s vast potential to meet adverse challenges, speed of operational response, and available resources make them historically significant players in emergency support functions.

The Disaster Management Act 2005 provides the legal framework for deploying armed forces during disasters, though it mentions their role only briefly under “Measures by the Government for Disaster Management.” This framework allows for rapid mobilization while maintaining the military’s primary defense responsibilities.

Primary role: Strategic planning and preparedness 🔗

Beyond field deployment, the armed forces contribute to strategic disaster management planning at multiple levels. At the national level, the Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff has been included in the National Executive Committee, ensuring military expertise informs policy decisions. Similarly, at state and district levels, local military representatives participate in executive committees to ensure closer coordination and cohesion.

The armed forces also provide specialized training to disaster management personnel, particularly in areas like nuclear, biological, and chemical hazards, helicopter insertion, high altitude rescue, watermanship, and paramedic training. This knowledge transfer strengthens the overall disaster response ecosystem.

Secondary role: Immediate field response 🔗

As noted by Lt General V.K. Kapoor, the army continues to be among the first responders in disaster situations, often before civilian resources are deployed. This is largely due to their widespread presence across the country, especially in far-flung border areas or remote regions where district administration may be weak or non-existent.

Key contributions of armed forces in disaster response 🔗

Search and rescue operations 🔗

The armed forces excel in search and rescue operations, deploying specialized teams even in the most challenging conditions. During the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, the Indian Army launched Operation Surya Hope, rescuing over 60,000 stranded people, including numerous pilgrims trapped in regions like Badrinath, Hemkund, and Kedarnath. The Army rapidly established headquarters in Dehradun, deployed troops to inaccessible valleys, and set up strategic kiosks providing food, water, and medical aid.

The 2014 Jammu and Kashmir floods showcased the scale of military deployment, with over 30,000 troops committed to rescue operations. The armed forces flew 1,081 sorties in the first seven days alone, airlifting over 80,000 affected people and moving 1,411 tonnes of relief materials.

Naval operations demonstrate similar capabilities. During the 2018 Kerala floods, the Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command initiated Operation Madad, deploying 92 rescue teams with Gemini boats. The operation rescued 16,843 persons over sixteen days, with 15,670 rescued by boat and 1,173 airlifted by helicopter.

Medical aid and healthcare support 🔗

Military medical resources provide critical support during disasters. Armed forces deploy field hospitals, medical teams, and specialized healthcare facilities to affected regions. During the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, the military set up ten tented townships and makeshift hospitals to shelter and treat earthquake victims, while military hospitals in Ahmedabad and Bhuj provided additional medical care.

The armed forces established four field hospitals during the 2014 Jammu and Kashmir floods, treating over 20,000 patients. These facilities provide comprehensive healthcare ranging from emergency treatment to surgical interventions, often in areas where civilian medical infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.

Infrastructure repair and restoration 🔗

Military engineering units play a crucial role in restoring damaged infrastructure. The Corps of Engineers and Border Roads Organization possess specialized heavy equipment not typically held by civilian disaster response organizations. During the 2014 Jammu and Kashmir floods, the strength of Army Engineers and BRO personnel on road building and bridge construction increased to 100,000, rapidly restoring communication routes between affected areas.

These engineering units clear debris, construct temporary bridges, repair roads, and restore power and water supply systems. Their ability to rapidly deploy prefabricated bridges, establish water purification plants, and restore electricity helps communities return to normalcy faster.

Maintaining law and order 🔗

While not their primary disaster management function, armed forces help maintain order and security in disaster-affected areas. Their disciplined presence provides reassurance to affected populations and helps prevent looting or other security concerns that can arise when normal administrative systems are disrupted. This allows civilian authorities to focus on relief distribution and recovery efforts.

Advocacy planning and community engagement 🔗

Community participation and awareness 🔗

The armed forces engage in extensive community outreach programs that enhance disaster preparedness. Through initiatives like the National Cadet Corps and Civil Defence Corps, they train civilians in basic first aid, search and rescue techniques, and disaster response protocols, empowering communities to respond effectively to emergencies.

Operation Sadbhavana, launched by the Indian Army, focuses on fostering goodwill and building community resilience in conflict-affected regions. The program conducts community development projects including healthcare facilities, educational support, vocational training, and infrastructure development in remote areas.

Resource management and logistics 🔗

The military’s extensive logistical capabilities prove invaluable during disasters. Armed forces establish supply chains to deliver essential commodities like food, water, and medicine to affected areas, even when normal transportation routes are disrupted. Their ability to airdrop supplies to inaccessible regions ensures isolated communities receive needed relief.

Military transport aircraft, helicopters, trucks, and ships move relief materials and personnel efficiently. During Cyclone Vardah in 2016, Indian Naval Ships Shivalik and Kadmatt transported extra medical teams, divers, rubber boats, helicopters, and relief supplies including food, tents, clothes, medicines, and blankets to Chennai.

Coordination with civilian authorities 🔗

Effective disaster response requires seamless coordination between military and civilian agencies. The armed forces work under the “Aid to Civil Authorities” framework, integrating military capabilities into overall response efforts. Military representatives participate in disaster management committees at national and state levels, ensuring smooth coordination.

During disasters, the Integrated Defense Staff coordinates the tri-service response of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, working closely with civilian agencies like the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Forces, and district administrations. This multi-agency coordination ensures optimal resource utilization and prevents duplication of efforts.

Challenges and the path forward 🔗

Despite their effectiveness, armed forces face challenges in disaster management. They must balance primary defense responsibilities with disaster response duties, which can strain resources during large-scale disasters. Resource constraints, particularly specialized equipment and trained personnel, can limit sustained long-term operations.

According to defense analysts, greater interaction between armed forces and specialized agencies like NDRF would enhance preparedness. Joint mock drills, combined training exercises, and pooling of disaster-related equipment in highly vulnerable zones could improve response capabilities.

The Government of India has instituted the Aapda Mitra scheme to train three lakh volunteers as first responders in 350 disaster-prone districts. This initiative, combined with the military’s training expertise, aims to build a robust disaster response network that complements armed forces capabilities.

What do you think? How can India further strengthen the coordination between armed forces and civilian disaster management agencies? What role should communities play in building disaster resilience alongside military support?

References

1. https://www.spslandforces.com/story/?id=227
2. https://vajiramandravi.com/upsc-exam/disaster-management-in-india/
3. https://faujidays.com/hub/read/blogs/house-blog/civilian-aid-and-roles/indian-military-in-disaster-response/
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Armed_Forces_and_the_Jammu_and_Kashmir_Floods,_2014
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Madad_(Indian_Navy)
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_military_operations_of_India
7. https://www.defstrat.com/magazine_articles/pivoting-armed-forces-in-indias-evolving-disaster-management-landscape/