In a significant technological upgrade to pilgrim safety, a high-speed Remote-Controlled Lifebuoy Water Drone has been officially deployed for the ongoing Gangasagar Mela in West Bengal. This advanced aquatic robot, boasting a remarkable towing capacity of 1,000 kilograms, is designed to act as a first responder during water emergencies at the massive annual congregation.
High-Tech Guardian for a Holy Dip
The Gangasagar Mela, where lakhs of devotees take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal on Makar Sankranti, presents unique safety challenges. This year, authorities are bridging the critical response time gap with this indestructible drone. Arvind Kumar Mina, the District Magistrate of South 24 Parganas, highlighted its capabilities, stating it operates with a 1 km range and cuts through waves at a blazing 7 metres per second—far outpacing even the strongest human swimmer.
Advanced Features for Precision Rescue
The drone is engineered with multiple fail-safe and high-efficiency systems to operate in crowded, turbulent waters. It streams 1080p HD real-time video directly to a screen-integrated remote controller, giving rescuers total visibility for precise navigation. Constructed from high-density, impact-resistant LLDPE polymer, it can withstand collisions with rocky shores or debris.
Its most notable feature is the specialised auto-righting capability. If a wave flips the craft, it rights itself automatically in just two seconds. Safety for victims is paramount, as the drone uses enclosed propellers, allowing people to grab onto it without injury risk. Furthermore, an intelligent GPS auto-return system ensures the device automatically returns to its launch point if the battery falls below 15% or if the control signal is lost.
A Leap in Disaster Management
The deployment marks a transformative step in public safety for large-scale Indian festivals. The drone's 1,000 kg towing power means it can pull multiple survivors or even entire life rafts to safety simultaneously. Officials emphasize that this technology ensures help is merely seconds away, fundamentally changing the disaster management paradigm for the Sagar Mela. This initiative underscores a commitment to leveraging innovation to protect the lives of millions of pilgrims who participate in this sacred tradition.
