DRDO setting up avalanche-proof tunnel in Rhotang Pass area

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Chidambaram, TN, Jan 6 (UNI) In order to provide safe passage to the military in the strategically important but avalanche prone high-altitude Himalayan ranges, the DRDO is engaged in setting up tunnels, initially in Rhotang Pass area linking Ladakh, DRDO chief Natarajan said.

Speaking at the ongoing 94th Indian Science Congress here today he said besides reducing risk these tunnels would facilitate troop movements during snowfall.

''It is a step far ahead of normal avalanche rescue system,'' he said adding that the diversionary shield for the snow was designed after studying mathematical models and satellite surveys.

This would greatly reduce fatalities, he added.

The snow gallery facilitates snow to slide down and the water would be directed in the natural flow downstream, easing the pressure and preventing the avalanche, he said.

Dr Natarajan said the Border Roads Organisation, engaged in laying roads along strategic international borders was working on the tunnel at the Rhotang pass. Similar tunnels could be set up in other 10 to 12 such avalanche-prone areas, he said.

Providing a glimpse of the future agenda of DRDO, he said development of stealth aircraft, supercruise and hypersonics, electronic and network-centric warfare were on top on the priority.

Nanoscience would play a vital role in the upcoming programmes, Dr Natarajan said.

Other future plans of the organisation included development of electro-optic sight system, propulsion and multi-function radar along with guidance and control system, robotics and state-of-the-art sensors, he said.

Considering the present security scenario of the country, Dr Natarajan also underlined the need to develop superior electronic warfare systems.

Dwelling on research spin-offs, he said DRDO had made significant contribution in high-altitude agro-science, food technology and water purification which was benefiting the defence personnel in Siachen and Ladakh.

Bio-digesters have been installed in places like Siachen to maintain purity of the environment and these technologies have been certified by the UNDP as eco-friendly, he said.

UNI

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