Flood relief operations carried out by the MLIRC at Chikodi

Apart from main responsibility of training the recruits for guarding the borders of the country The Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre located at Belgaum has always rendered timely assistance to Civil Authorities in rescue and relief operations during natural calamities like flood and drought etc.

On 02 Aug 2019 The Maratha LIRC was requisitioned for flood relief operations due to the havoc created by floods in the area of Northern Karnataka and immediate Maratha troops got involved in the rescue and relief operations in Chikkodi tehsil of Belgaum district which is witnessing very heavy rains since one week. The Maratha LIRC has carried out the execution of disaster relief task on a war footing, which have been greatly appreciated by the civilian populace and the state administration.

Brigadier Govind Kalwad, YSM, Commandant, The Maratha LIRC briefed the flood relief teams on ground about the preparations for rescue operations and assured civil administration of a quick response by the Army for deployment of flood relief tasks.

Due to heavy rains and release of water from Krishna River by Maharashtra, 37 villages of Chikkodi Tehsil have been heavily affected. Approximately 2,40,000 cusecs of water is being released from River Krishna due to which the rivers in Karnataka have crossed the danger level by increasing four feet every day.

As on date total three flood relief columns, having an approximate strength of five officers, six JCOs and one hundred fifty Other Ranks of the Maratha LIRC, carrying out rescue operations in Manjari and Shirguppi villages in Chikodi tehsil. The teams are equipped with 10 rescue boats, to evacuate civilians from the flood affected areas. Earlier after reaching the place they have carried out detailed survey of the area to provide relief and rescue. Apart from this the team of doctors of Belgaum Military Station has also established a medical aid centre which started providing medical aid to the people. Food distribution centre has also been established for worst affected people.

One column of the Maratha Regiment Centre and Engineer Task Force of Madras Engineering Group & Centre containing one Officer, two JCos and forty five Other Ranks have also joined the relief and rescue operation alongwith their relief equipment’s and boats. In spite of continuous and heavy rains, the flood relief team of the MLIRC Columns are working around the clock to restore connectivity to remote villages by constructing bunds and preparing alternative routes.