The Bengal Engineer Group and Centre conducted the exercise ‘Jal Tarang’ for the Gentleman Cadets (GCs) of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehra Dun. This exercise is conducted twice a year for GCs about one month before passing out of the IMA course. This year, the exercise was conducted for 110 regular course. It was a demonstration of various sapper tasks and equipment in the Corps of Engineers. The demonstration was conducted in three stages by the Chief Instructor, Field Works School and in fourth stage by the Chief Instructor, Mechanical Transport and Plant.

Various field engineering tasks carried out by sappers in support of formations were demonstrated on the banks of river Solani. This was proceeded by a welcome address by Brig S N Mukherjee, Commandant, Bengal Engineer Group and Centre. The Commandant highlighted the role of engineers in the Army and sappers’ achievement in the field of sports and adventure. During the demonstration, GCs were shown various types of mines, their firing, minefield breaching tasks, demolition, camouflage techniques and NBC warfare. This also included latest trends in the mine warfare.

The GCs were given a demonstration bridging dry gaps. The latest equipment and trends in dry bridge like AM-50, MGB and BLT were launched. A bailey bridge was constructed by the recruit platoon during this demonstration.

Various types of improvised explosive devices and their neutralising drills were also shown. This is one of the main task of engineer regiments deployed in counter-insurgency operations.

The GCs were shown the wet bridge demonstration at the Ganga Canal. They were introduced to various boats, swimming aids, Krupman (BAFH) raft and bridges. The state-of-the-art PMS bridge and combat engineer tractor were also launched during the demonstration. The rowing and kayaking teams of Bengal Sappers gave a demonstration.

The GCs were shown various types of earth moving plant equipment in the Service. The capabilities, role and training standards of the Corps of Engineers impressed the GCs and a large number of them showed their indication to join the elite Corps of Engineers.