In a significant upgrade to safety measures, the South 24 Parganas district administration is set to introduce cutting-edge technology for rescue operations at the Gangasagar Mela in 2026. For the first time, remote-controlled lifebuoys, commonly known as water drones, will be deployed to swiftly respond to emergencies in the water during the massive pilgrimage.
Advanced Technology for Faster Response
The upcoming Sagar Mela, commencing on Thursday, will see this innovative device on standby. The water drone is a self-propelled flotation unit designed to identify individuals in distress. Utilizing a GPS navigation system, it can autonomously and rapidly navigate to a person's location. A senior district official confirmed that this marks the inaugural use of such equipment at the mela, with preparatory drills already underway.
The device boasts impressive operational specifications. It has an effective range of 1 kilometre and can achieve a top speed of 7 metres per second. This capability allows it to reach a target in the water far more quickly than a human swimmer could, potentially saving crucial minutes in a rescue scenario.
Robust Features for Challenging Conditions
Beyond speed, the drone is built for power and resilience. Officials highlighted its high towing capacity of up to 1,000 kg. This strength enables it to assist multiple survivors simultaneously or even tow life rafts to safety, addressing large-scale emergency needs effectively.
A standout feature is its auto-righting capability. "In just two seconds, the drone recovers from being flipped over, ensuring continuous operation in rough conditions," explained an official. This ensures the device remains operational even in the challenging, often turbulent, waters of the confluence.
Enhanced Control and Safety Protocols
Rescuers will have precise control and visibility thanks to an advanced remote controller. The unit includes a screen that displays a live 1080p HD video feed from an onboard camera, providing real-time visuals to navigate accurately to the victim.
The drone also incorporates intelligent safety protocols. While it uses GPS for primary navigation, it is programmed to automatically return to its launch point if the control signal is lost or if the battery level drops below 15%. This fail-safe mechanism prevents the loss of the valuable equipment and ensures it is ready for redeployment.
The introduction of this water drone technology represents a proactive step by the South 24 Parganas administration to leverage innovation for public safety, aiming to make the vast and spiritually significant Gangasagar Mela a safer experience for all devotees.
