Patna: The Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) organized a demonstration of state-of-the-art equipment for search and rescue operations on Friday at Janardan Ghat, Digha, on the banks of the Ganga in Patna. The event showcased two advanced devices, USAFE and ROUV, designed for rapid response in locating and rescuing drowning individuals in rivers and other water bodies.
The demonstration took place in the presence of BSDMA Vice Chairman P.N. Rai and Member Kaushal Kishore Mishra, along with representatives from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other key stakeholders.
Revolutionary Equipment for Emergency Situations
USAFE, one of the showcased devices, is a remotely operated rescue system capable of reaching the site of an incident within three seconds. The equipment operates within a range of 300 meters to three kilometers, can retrieve a load of 180 to 200 kg, and is water-resistant. Its quick response and remote control capabilities make it a vital tool for emergency rescues.
ROUV, the second device, is a remotely operated underwater vehicle equipped with advanced imaging technology. It can provide live footage from depths of up to 300 meters, with two cameras—a 4K recording camera and a 1080p live feed camera. The device also features 6000 lumens of illumination, enabling clear visuals even in murky or dark waters.
Both devices are expected to significantly enhance Bihar’s disaster management capabilities by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of search and rescue operations.
Vice Chairman Recommends Upgrades
During the demonstration, Vice Chairman P.N. Rai highlighted the potential of ROUV and suggested upgrades to protect the equipment from sonar damage and collisions, ensuring it performs even more effectively in challenging conditions.
A Step Forward in Disaster Management
This initiative by the BSDMA is being hailed as a milestone in disaster preparedness and management. The authority emphasized that the adoption of such cutting-edge technologies would not only save lives but also set an example for other states across the country.
Present at the event were Md. Waris Khan, Secretary of BSDMA; Rajesh Kumar, SDRF Commandant; NDRF Assistant Commandant; Additional Collector Patna, D.P. Shahi; and the Block Development Officer, Patna, along with other officials.
The demonstration underscores Bihar’s commitment to modernizing disaster response and ensuring the safety of its citizens, especially in regions prone to water-related emergencies.
