CONTENTS

1. Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan
2. Bhu-Neer Portal

Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan

Context:

Recently, the Indian Army successfully conducted the Exercise, ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ at Ahmedabad and Porbandar on 18-19 November 2024.

Relevance:

GS III: Security Challenges

Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan

• Nature and Scope: Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan is an annual multilateral joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise.
• Organizers: Conducted by the Konark Corps of the Southern Command of the Indian Army, this exercise takes place in Gujarat, specifically Ahmedabad and Porbandar.
• Goals: The primary aim is to improve interagency integration and cooperation, ensuring effective and timely responses to natural disasters.

Activities and Participation

• Inaugural Event in Ahmedabad: Featured a Tabletop Exercise centered on managing a hypothetical cyclone in Gujarat’s coastal regions. This session included representatives from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), Meteorological Department, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).
• Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration: Held at Chowpatty Beach in Porbandar on 19 November 2024, this event showcased various agencies working together to manage logistics, response tactics, and overall disaster management in a simulated cyclone scenario.

Collaboration and Training

• Participating Agencies: The exercise saw participation from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, and other central and state agencies.
• International Involvement: The event was attended by 15 senior officials and representatives from nine friendly foreign countries, including members from the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Indian Ocean Region, and Southeast Asia.

Significance and Impact

• Enhanced National Capabilities: Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan has significantly bolstered India’s national disaster response capabilities.
• Global Contribution: The exercise contributes to the international discourse on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, promoting global best practices and enhancing international cooperation.

Bhu-Neer Portal

Context:

Recently, the Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti, digitally launched the newly developed “Bhu-Neer” portal during the concluding ceremony of India Water Week 2024.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Bhu-Neer Portal:

• Developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, in association with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the Bhu-Neer Portal is an innovative tool designed to enhance groundwater regulation nationwide.
• Purpose:
  • The portal acts as a comprehensive platform for the management and regulation of groundwater resources, promoting transparency, efficiency, and sustainable practices.
  • It is structured to provide detailed insights into the legal guidelines that govern groundwater extraction and the associated regulations at both state and national levels.
  • A centralized database within the portal allows users easy access to essential information regarding groundwater compliance, relevant policies, and sustainability measures.
  • User-friendly features are integrated to streamline the process for project proponents applying for groundwater withdrawal permits.
  • Features such as a PAN-based single ID system and NOCs with QR codes enhance the portal’s usability, representing a significant advancement from its predecessor, NOCAP.
• Significance:
  • The Bhu-Neer portal is designed to facilitate the Ease of Doing Business initiative by making groundwater regulation processes seamless and non-interactive.
• Accessibility:
  • The portal is now operational and available for public access. Project proponents are encouraged to use the portal for inquiries related to groundwater withdrawal, to track application statuses, and for the payment of statutory charges.