Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse Rescue Operation: The effort to rescue 41 workers trapped after the collapse of some parts of the under-construction Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand continues on Monday (November 20).
During the rescue operation, the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) ‘Daksh’ developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is being used by the robotics team. It is a device with special capabilities which is used by the army, police and paramilitary forces. Let us know its features.
What is ROV efficient?
According to the HT report, this ROV has been specially designed for use on a motorized pan-tilt platform, which can help in reaching risky areas.
The report quoted DRDO as saying that the ROV Daksh is a multi-capable device, which is used to detect and manage Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), survey nuclear and chemical contamination and handle hazardous materials. .
This device has stair climbing capability and once fully charged it can work continuously for three hours. Also, it has the ability to work at a distance of more than 100 to 500 meters. It can be controlled remotely within a radius of half a kilometer.
Bomb disposal units of the army, police and paramilitary forces use it to deal with IEDs and other dangerous objects. The manipulator arm of this device can handle dangerous objects weighing 20 kg from a distance of 2.5 meters and 9 kg from a distance of 4 meters. Along with this, this Daksh is equipped with multiple cameras, IED handling tools, Nuclear Biological Chemistry (NBC), Reconnaissance System, a Master Control Station (MCS) and a shotgun.
Rescue operation continues
Many organizations are working in the rescue operation at the tunnel site. Parts of the Silkyara Tunnel collapsed following a landslide on November 12, trapping 41 construction workers behind a huge pile of debris. Essential food items are being supplied to the stranded workers through a 4-inch compressor pipeline. Through this, they are being given gram, puffed rice, almonds and medicines etc.
National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is currently installing a new 6-inch pipeline for food supply. Drilling of 39 meters out of 60 has been completed and there are plans to continue drilling from the Silkyara end after ensuring safety measures.
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, Tehri Hydropower Development Corporation, Sutlej Hydropower Corporation Limited and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation are also playing a role in the rescue operation. Equipment for the rescue operation has been brought from Gujarat and Odisha.
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