02nd January 2022 21:51:15 Hours
8 Field Engineers was tasked to destroy a water tank which was located at South Uppukulam, Mannar. This special task was assigned to the regiment by the Office of Chief Field Engineer and the initial reconnaissance was conducted on 04 November 2021. During the reconnaissance it was identified that the 14ft x 14.5ft tank was constructed on 60ft high and 1ft thick 4 x reinforced concrete beams.
Concrete beams were heavily decayed and the heavy tank on it was unstable causing a life threatening situation to the nearby villagers. It was decided that the tank structure to be destroyed using explosives with an immediate effect. On 15 November 2021, a team of Field Engineers consist with Bomb Disposal experts have demolished the dilapidated water tank successfully.
The Government officials belong to District Secretary Office - Mannar, Port Authority, Grama Niladari and Police officials of Mannar Police Station were present at the location to witness the mission. Two beams of the water tank were demolished by using explosives with all safety precautions and the tank was collapsed without damaging to any civilian or property. The troops of 8 Field Engineers have been highly appreciated by the government officials and the villagers for saving 3 houses which were close proximity of the dilapidated tank and the concrete paved road which was running below the Water tank.
This mission was carried out in a highly populated area and 8 Field Engineers was successfully accomplished the great challenge by emphasizing their professionalism, initiative, capability and the sheer commitment.
