PUNE: On the occasion of 239th Corps of Engineers Day, a wreath-laying ceremony was organised at National War Memorial on Monday. Chief of Staff Southern Command Lt Gen DS Ahuja laid a commemorative wreath at the National War Memorial. Lieutenant General BT Pandit laid the wreath on behalf of the veterans.
The origin of Corps of Engineers dates to 1780 when two regular companies of the Madras Sappers were raised. Later, the Group of Madras, Bengal and Bombay Sappers were formed and then merged on November 18, 1932, to form the Corps of Engineers.
True to its motto ‘Sarvatra’, the Corps of Engineers has excelled in war and peace and won the highest military honours. In addition to combat duties, the Sappers have excelled in their non-combat role in India and abroad. They have contributed to nation building via constructions, relief and rescue works.
The construction of three Foot Over Bridges at Elphinstone, Curry Road and Ambivali Railway Stations within three months and fifteen days, flood relief and rescue operations in five states saw the Sappers giving selfless service to the nation. The Sapper Green Energy Initiative with ten solar power projects of capacity 16.25 Megawatt in Southern Command has resulted in huge power saving. They have scored in the area of adventure and sports with 29 Arjuna awardees.
