Gandhinagar: The Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) is set to upgrade its emergency response capabilities by procuring an advanced Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), aimed at strengthening search and rescue operations in rivers, lakes, and other water bodies where direct human intervention is risky or difficult.

The high-tech equipment will help rescue teams carry out detection, identification, and recovery of persons or objects during emergencies, disaster management operations, and accident response, especially in hazardous underwater conditions.

Advanced technology for rescue operations

According to the tender issued by the civic body, the ROV will be compact, portable, and suitable for underwater inspection, monitoring, and rescue work. The equipment must comply with international marine safety and quality standards and should be capable of operating in challenging environments.

The vehicle is expected to have an operational depth of at least 200 metres, a tether length of around 150 metres, and a battery backup of about five hours. It will be equipped with high-definition cameras, LED lighting, navigation sensors, stabilisation systems, and a grabber arm attachment to retrieve objects underwater.

As per the tender, the system should also support multi-beam sonar, image-enhancement features, and real-time video transmission, allowing rescue personnel to conduct precise operations without putting divers at risk.

Training and technical support mandatory

To ensure effective use of the equipment, the GMC has made it mandatory for the supplier to provide a trained operator-cum-technical expert for one year after commissioning of the unit. The expert will train fire department personnel and assist during emergency rescue calls whenever required.

Delivery within 60 days

The civic body has already issued the procurement tender. After the final purchase order is placed, the selected bidder must supply and commission the fully assembled ROV within 60 days. The equipment will also carry a two-year warranty to ensure reliability during emergency operations.

Officials said the move marks a significant step towards using modern robotic technology to improve the efficiency, safety, and response time of Gandhinagar’s fire and rescue services, bringing them in line with international safety standards. DeshGujarat