SOURCE: AFI
The Trishakti Sappers, the engineering unit of the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps headquartered in Sukna near Siliguri, have received national acclaim for their groundbreaking innovation: the Advanced Flood Monitoring System (AFMS). This state-of-the-art system is designed to mitigate the devastating effects of flash floods in the Himalayan state of Sikkim, a region prone to extreme weather events and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
The Trishakti Sappers were honored at Inno Yodha, a national-level event hosted by the Indian Army in Delhi, for their contribution to disaster management and defense preparedness. This recognition underscores the critical importance of the AFMS in safeguarding lives, infrastructure, and military assets in vulnerable regions.
The development of the AFMS was spurred by the catastrophic GLOF that struck Sikkim in October last year. This disaster caused extensive damage, including the loss of lives and destruction of critical military infrastructure. Several army personnel lost their lives, while roads, bridges, arms, ammunition, and vehicles were swept away, severely impacting strategic areas near the Indo-Sino border.
The experience highlighted the urgent need for a robust flood monitoring and early warning system to prevent similar tragedies.
Developed by a team led by Havildar Suresh PK, the AFMS represents a significant leap forward in flood monitoring technology. The system uses real-time water level tracking and delivers early SMS alerts to enable swift disaster response, reducing the potential loss of life and damage to infrastructure.
Key components of the system include:
- Microcontroller: Ensures efficient data processing.
- UV Sensor: Monitors water quality and levels.
- GSM Module: Sends alerts via SMS to key personnel.
- SONAR Principle: Utilized for precise measurement of water levels.
This integration of advanced technology ensures accurate and timely warnings, empowering both military and civilian authorities to act proactively.