The Trishakti Sappers, an engineering unit of the Indian Army's Trishakti Corps, have earned national recognition for their innovative Advanced Flood Monitoring System (AFMS). This cutting-edge system is designed to mitigate the devastating impact of flash floods in Sikkim, a Himalayan state 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 defence preparedness. This recognition highlights the crucial role of the AFMS in protecting lives, infrastructure, and military assets in vulnerable regions.
The development of the AFMS was spurred by a catastrophic GLOF that struck Sikkim in October of last year. This disaster caused widespread damage, including loss of life and the destruction of critical military infrastructure. The incident underscored the urgent need for a reliable flood monitoring and early warning system.
Developed by a team led by Havildar Suresh PK, the AFMS represents a significant advancement in flood monitoring technology. The system utilizes real-time water level tracking and sends out early SMS alerts to enable swift disaster response, minimizing potential loss of life and damage to infrastructure.
Key components of the AFMS include:
- Microcontroller: For efficient data processing.
- UV Sensor: To monitor water quality and levels.
- GSM Module: To send SMS alerts to key personnel.
- SONAR Principle: Utilized for precise measurement of water levels.
The AFMS is expected to play a vital role in safeguarding Indian Army personnel and the local population of Sikkim from the devastating impact of sudden floods.
The AFMS stands as a testament to the potential of military-driven initiatives to address pressing challenges in disaster management and highlights how technology and ingenuity can be used to mitigate risks and save lives in disaster-prone regions.
