Innovative ‘Nitish’ Pendant Emerges as Bihar’s Lifesaver in Disaster Management

Patna: In a pioneering move aimed at tackling the escalating threat of lightning fatalities in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has launched two innovative solutions – the Life Safety Locket and the Bihar State Disaster Response Network (BSDRN). Expressing deep concern over the increasing fatalities due to lightning and natural calamities, the Chief Minister took proactive steps to address the issue.

In response to rising lightning-related deaths, the Disaster Management Department had earlier developed the ‘Indravajra’ app, providing advance warnings of thunderstorms to mobile users. However, recognizing the limitations of reaching remote agricultural workers, Deputy Chairman of Bihar State Disaster Authority, Dr. Uday Kant, envisioned a device that could be attached to the body of laborers in the fields.

This concept gained traction and support from the Disaster Management Authority members, including Paras Nath Rai, Manish Kumar Verma, and Kaushal Kishore Mishra. To bring this idea to life, the authority collaborated with IIT Patna, overcoming initial challenges.

Under the guidance of Dr. Trilok Nath Singh, Director of IIT Patna, Prof. Rajeev Mishra, Dr. Arijit Roy, and Mr. Akash, conducted extensive research and developed the ‘Nitish’ pendant. This electronic device, resembling a pendant or amulet, boasts dimensions of 47 mm x 48 mm x 16 mm and a weight of only 43 grams. Aptly named ‘Novel & Innovative Technological Intervention for Safety of Human lives (NITISH),’ it can be worn around the neck or tied to the arm.

The Nitish pendant stands out for its unique feature of recharging through body warmth. In the event of an impending disaster, it alerts its wearer through voice messages, vibration, and a color change from green to red. It continues to provide warnings until manually turned off, confirming receipt of the alert in the authority’s computer.

This waterproof electronic device is not only 100% safe but also versatile. Collaborating with the Bihar Meteorological Service Center, Nitish’s pendant will extend advance warnings not only for lightning but also for other disasters like floods, extreme heat, and cold waves.

Under the MoU between IIT Patna and Bihar State Disaster Management Authority, IIT Patna aims to produce 1 lakh units in its laboratory. The patent for the Nitish pendant, developed with imported parts (aiming for local production), is anticipated to reduce costs by about 20%.