LT GEN SANJEEV KUMAR SHRIVASTAVA, AVSM, E-IN-C
It is an honour and proud privilege for me to extend my appreciation and greetings to all Officers, JCOs, OR & Civilians and their families on the momentous occasion of 238th Anniversary of the Corps of Engineers.
The Corps of Engrs today stands tall having earned an enviable reputation. 'Sarvatra' our motto truly defines the Corps as our presence is reflected in all spheres of activities, be it war fighting or nation building. The Sappers have not only done credible work within the country but have also earned accolades on foreign shores.
The Combat Engineers have proved their mettle again, by providing quality engineer support to field formations, maintenance and repair of the fence at the Line of Control and construction and maintenance of operational works. The Corps has fabricated numerous innovations at unit level, thus finding solutions to meet operational challenges. The Sappers deployed in field areas are working day and night to ensure and further the conduct of effective operations and their contribution has been recognised by one and all. Combat Engineers have played a vital role in contributing troops for overseas deployment on United Nations Missions as also providing succor to the populace in the wake of natural disasters.
MES, a premier construction agency continues to excel by executing specialist projects conforming to international standards. The pursuit of excellence, meeting user expectations by enhancing the standards of construction and achieving laid down timelines continues to be our focus. Several measures have been taken for energy conservation, green technology and reducing the national carbon foot print by undertaking solar power projects. LED lighting and GRIHA norms are being incorporated in all new projects. MES has also been awarded with the 'Best Performance Award' by National Informatics Commission (NIC) for their e-portal amongst various Central/State Govt Departments and Public Sector Units.
Braving the vagaries of nature, hostile terrain and environment, Border Roads Organisation has performed splendidly during this year.The Organisation has kept the Nation's arteries open to traffic and has completed many strategically important roads. Presently, BRO is working on 852 roads which include new construction as well as improvement from single lane to double lane specifications. At any point of time BRO maintains approximately 7315 km of roads and five airfields apart from carrying out snow clearance on 138 roads every year to ensure connectivity. The Organisation continues to provide unflinching support during natural calamities.
Military Survey has kept pace with the dynamic changes in technology in GIS, digital mapping and cartography as per the requirements of the Army in totality. They have invested in research and development activities immensely and have launched the Surveykshak GIS software. Military Survey has also recently adopted the state of art mobile mapping technology and survey by unmanned aerial platforms is being explored.
The Corps has continued to excel in sports and adventure. In the month of Mar – Apr 2018, Corps of Engineers undertook an all arms Ocean Sailing Expedition from Mumbai to Minicoy covering 1800 nautical miles over 40 days of continuous sailing. Two women offrs of the Corps, Maj Pushpa Joshi and Maj Usha Kumari scaled Mt Stok Kangri. In the recently concluded Asian Games Sappers secured two Gold and three Bronze Medals which is testimony to the dedication and performance of Sappers. Sub CA Kuttappa, Boxing Coach of MEG was conferred with Dronacharya Award on 25 Sep 2018 from the Hon'ble President of India for his outstanding coaching performance.
Corps of Engineers has always been at the forefront to deal with natural calamities in the country. During the recent floods in Kerala, 14 x Engineer Task Forces worked perseveringly in the face of tormenting odds to provide relief assistance to the displaced population, rescuing approximately 7000 civilians. The Sappers also stood up to the requirement of constructing three Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) at Elphinstone Road, Currey Road and Ambivali Railway Stations in Mumbai and completed the task with alacrity in record time.
With our resolute dedication, resilience and professionalism, we are on the right path and affirmative course of excellence and growth. The challenges are many and complexities of tasks high, but the indomitable spirit of the Corps will help us deliver the required outcomes.
On this auspicious day, I also take this opportunity to pay homage to the martyrs of the Corps, to whom we owe the legacy of honor and sacrifice. In the end, I call upon one and all to rededicate ourselves with renewed vigour and commitment, not only to maintain but enhance our reputation and glorious traditions. Our efforts today shall end up shaping the future of our Nation which shall be indelibly etched in the annals of time.
Once again, I wish all members of the Corps and their families the very best in all future endeavors.
Jai Hind !
