MESSAGE FROM THE ENGINEER-IN-CHIEF ON 242ND CORPS DAY
On the occasion of 242nd Anniversary of the Corps of Engineers, I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the military and civil personnel of the Corps of Engineers and their families. The Sappers, as always, have been performing in an exemplary manner and I am sanguine that we will continue to do the same in future as well. We have always strived hard to uphold the ethos of the great Indian Army and contributed positively in the nation building. On this auspicious day, let us all remember the valour, dedication and hard work of our Veterans, which has given us the solid foundation to ensure that the Flag of the Corps is always flying high. I also urge my Sappers fraternity to put in even harder efforts to be prepared for the future challenges and rededicate ourselves towards being a reliable, versatile and omnipresent arm of the Army. Corps of Engineers has stood strong and true to its motto, ‘SARVATRA’, it has performed exceedingly well in all spheres.
The Corps of Engineers comprises of four pillars, these are, Combat Engineers, Military Engineering Service, The Border Roads and Military Survey. Each of these pillars, contributes in enhancing the efficiency and efficacy of the Indian Armed Forces. In 242 years of illustrious service rendered during war and peace, the Corps of Engineers has been decorated with as many as 171 Battle Honours and 56 Theatre Honours.
The Combat Engineers have proved their mettle by executing operational projects in all kind of inhospitable terrain. The Corps is continuously evolving by carrying out innovations at all levels and ensuring support to the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and other organisations of the Govt. From ensuring the safety of our borders with the provision of latest engineering eqpt to the tps in the frontline to construction of tracks and bridges in record time, the Engineer units have been on the forefront of all operational tasks. During times of natural and manmade calamities, Sappers always have shown extreme bravery and resolve & provided succour. Combat Engineers have also played a stellar role in contributing tps for overseas deployment on UN Missions. Modernisation has picked up momentum with commissioning of various op critical eqpt in the Corps steered 19 Emergency procurement cases to fructification in the past two years.
The Military Engineering Service 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 eight new web and IT applications, 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 various tasks which include survey, rd constr, br constr, designing, constr of tunnels and maint of ditches. The works executed by the BRO have contributed immensely in the socio economic development of remote and inaccessible border areas of the country. The BRO has created several world records in the recent past with a large No of new roads & brs having been completed and inaugurated in the last year.
Our personnel in the Military Survey are matching pace with the dynamic changes in the technological aspects of GIS platform and have taken up several initiatives towards modernisation. Drone based survey technology is being used to map numerous stations of the tri-services. The Military Survey is fully capable to provide modern topographic and GIS solutions to the requirements of the modern and developing Army.
Sports and Adventure come as a second nature to us and we have always remained at the forefront. We have been pioneers in the field of Mountaineering, Yachting, Hang Gliding and a number of other adventure and sports activities. As an organisation, we have the largest number of Arjuna awardees, 29 till date. In addition personnel from the Corps have been awarded five Dronacharya and three Dhyanchand awards. We have nurtured outstanding talent who have made the Indian Army proud by representing the country even at apex level of the Olympics. Keeping up the tradition, the Corps has continued to excel in the field of Sports and adventure, winning numerous honours at National and International levels. The performance of our players in Rowing and Sailing in the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics is praise worthy.
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.
On this occasion, I wish all members of the Corps and their families the very best in their future endeavors.
Jai Hind !
