Lieutenant General Vikas Rohella, the Director General of Land Warfare and Equipment (DGLWE) and Colonel Commandant of the Bombay Sappers, recently visited the 201 Counter Explosive Device Unit (CEDU) at the College of Military Engineering in Pune. His visit underscored the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to counter-improvised explosive device (IED) preparedness, emphasizing operational excellence in this critical area.
During his visit, Lt Gen Rohella was briefed on the state-of-the-art training infrastructure and various initiatives undertaken by the 201 CEDU, affectionately known as the “Surya Disposers.” The unit showcased its advanced capabilities, including cutting-edge bomb disposal robots and tactical training systems designed to neutralize explosive threats in high-risk combat environments. Lt Gen Rohella commended the professionalism exhibited by the personnel and encouraged them to maintain their high standards, highlighting their significant contributions to national security.
The 201 CEDU is a vital component of the Bombay Sappers, a distinguished regiment with a rich history dating back to 1780. Renowned for their expertise in combat engineering, infrastructure development, and emergency response, the Bombay Sappers are pivotal in addressing the urgent challenges posed by improvised explosive devices. The Ministry of Home Affairs’ 2024 report, which detailed over 1,200 IED-related incidents within the country, highlights the pressing need for specialized units like the CEDU.
Situated in Dapodi along the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway, the College of Military Engineering plays a crucial role in training Army engineers and counter-IED specialists. The facility is well-equipped with advanced robotic ordnance disposal systems and tactical simulation tools that recreate real-world battlefield scenarios. This aligns with India’s broader military modernization objectives under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which focuses on self-reliance in defense technologies.
Lt Gen Rohella’s inspection comes on the heels of a recent visit by Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, who reviewed technological advancements at the Bombay Sappers headquarters in Kirkee. These inspections reflect a sustained initiative by the Indian Army to enhance its engineering capabilities and counter-explosive measures.
Furthermore, the endeavors of the 201 CEDU align with global best practices in counter-IED strategies. The unit has engaged in collaborations with international entities, such as NATO’s Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices Centre of Excellence in Spain, ensuring that Indian forces are well-prepared to adapt to the evolving landscape of modern warfare.
The Bombay Sappers, guided by their enduring motto “Sarvatra” (Everywhere), continue to serve as a cornerstone of India’s defense capabilities, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation to address emerging security challenges.
