LT GEN HARPAL SINGH, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC MESSAGE FROM THE ENGINEER-IN-CHIEF ON 241ST CORPS DAY
On the momentous occasion of 241st Anniversary of the Corps of Engineers and with a deep sense of pride, I convey my greetings and good wishes to all officers, JCOs, OR & Civilians of Corps of Engineers and their families. I also extend greetings to our Veterans for providing us with extremely rich legacy, which continues to give us stimulus to work harder and achieve greater heights. I also express my gratitude to our Veer Naries for the strength and resolve displayed by them.
The Corps has a history replete with acts of valour, courage and supreme sacrifice and continues to earn the respect of our brothers in arms and the Nation at large, with display of highest standards of professionalism and commitment. The Corps has not only accomplished credible work within the nation but also on foreign shores, earning an enviable reputation. Corps of Engineers has stood strong and true to its motto, ‘SARVATRA’, it has performed exceedingly well in all spheres.
The Combat Engineers are continuously proving their mettle by executing numerous projects in all kind of inhospitable terrain, thus providing support to the troops deployed in such areas. The Corps is continuously evolving by carrying out innovations at unit/formation level and ensuring all the possible support across the army. Even during deadly phase of COVID-19 pandemic, teams of Corps of Engineers continued to function and provide round the clock support to all military stations. From ensuring the safety of our borders with the provision of latest engineering eqpt to the troops on the frontline to construction of tracks and bridges in record time, the Engineer units have been at the forefront of all operational actions. During times of calamity too, our units have displayed extreme bravery and resolve and saved a large No of lives. Combat Engineers have also played a stellar role in contributing troops for overseas deployment on UN Missions.
The Military Engineering Service, which is one of the pillars of the Corps has undertaken and completed various infrastructure projects for all three services by adopting new techniques in execution of specialist projects conforming to international standards. The focus of MES has been on incorporating best engineering practices and enhancing user satisfaction, through timely, transparent and high quality execution. Several measures have been taken for energy conservation, adopting green technology and for reducing the carbon foot prints by undertaking solar power projects, LED lighting and incorporation of GRIHA norms in all new projects. With the activation of Web Based Project Monitoring Portal, MES has also stamped its contribution towards the Digital India Mission.
Braving the Vagaries of nature, hostile terrain and environment, the Border Roads Organisation has been working relentlessly and has displayed dedication and professionalism while executing tasks in inhospitable terrain and under inclement weather conditions. The works executed by the BRO have contributed immensely in the socio economic development of remote and inaccessible border areas of the country apart from being strategically significant. The organization continues to render unflinching support during natural calamities and has kept lines of communication open in most challenging conditions.
Our personnel in Military Survey are matching pace with the dynamic changes in the technological aspects of GIS platform and have taken up several initiatives to modernise Military Survey to provide topographic and GIS solutions to the field Army to include drone based survey of Military Stations of tri-services, GIS ready DSM maps, establishment of Geo Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) to provide real time GIS data and value added services to users through Enterprise GIS network, Web based Single Point Clearance Committee (SPCC) for grant of permission to civil agencies on aerial photographs/ remote sensing survey.
The Corps has continued to excel in the field of Sports and adventure. The efforts showed dividends in Rowing and Sailing in the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics. Sub Vishnu Sarvanan, the youngest sailor and first Indian to participate in Laser Std class secured the 20th position, which is the best ranking ever in Sailing in Olympics by an Indian. JCO Arvind Singh participated in Light Weight Double Sculls and secured the 11th position. The continuous efforts, set goals and rigorous training would ensure boosting of sports in the country.
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. With our resolute dedication, resilience and professionalism, we are on the right and affirmative course of excellence and growth. The challenges are many and complexities of tasks are high, but the indomitable spirit of the Corps will help us deliver the required output. I call upon all, to rededicate our commitment to the nation and the Indian Army and continue to strive for excellence in every field.
Once again, I wish all members of the Corps and their families the very best in all future endeavors.
Jai Hind !
