KP DMG to procure hi-tech equipment for water rescue
Times of India | 31 October 2024
1234 Kolkata: The disaster management group (DMG) of Kolkata Police is set for a major overhaul, with the focus this time on its water wing that carries out rescues and recoveries in the Hooghly river. The total tender is estimated to be more than Rs 4 crore, which will enable DMG to own certain devices currently owned by the state and national disaster response forces like SDRF and NDRF.
Of the 33 pieces of equipment, on the DMG list14 are meant to serve its water wing. These will include a state-of-the-art underwater communication system complete with a face mask. "We have multiple instances since 2023 when we could not trace bodies in the Hooghly in the first 48 hours of our divers going in for rescue operations. We want to use technology, as much as possible, to reverse this trend," said a senior officer.
"The two communication units we wish to buy shall allow supervisors above the level of water to communicate with at least two divers simultaneously below in the water. The divers should be able to talk among themselves hands-free," the tender states.
Among other items to be procured are the remote-controlled life buoy that can pull 150 kg of weight with a cruise speed of 8 km/hr and a maximum speed of 20 km/hr. The DMG will also procure a hydraulic forcible entry tool, cordless angle grinder, pressure test kit, advanced braking system, and advanced fibreglass pedal boats.
Besides the huge procurement for the water wing, it will be bolstering its tree-cutting and firefighting units with the procurement of heavy-duty extendable ladders, portable smoke exhauster-cum-ventilator, wood-cutting chainsaw, and cordless cut-off machines.
Kolkata Police have also decided to hold trials of underwater cameras and drones that can help them track missing bodies in water bodies.
Lalbazar said a final decision to buy the equipment will only be taken after analysing the performance. "We have certain expectations while procuring the item. We are particularly looking for a drone that can be used for long hours," said an officer.