Maha govt to buy Remote Control Robotic Craft boats for Rs 28 crore

Chaitanya.MarpakwarMumbai: The state govt has decided to buy 125 Remote Control Robotic Craft (RCRC) boats for disaster response forces for search and rescue operations. Each boat will cost around Rs.

22 lakh, and the total budget will be around Rs 28 crore. Officials said RCRC boats are unmanned, scaled-down watercraft equipped with remote control and automated systems. They are often deployed to reach drowning victims quickly without risking human lives. They are equipped with GPS-equipped sonar to map water depths, monitor water quality, or assess sludge volumes in lakes and ponds“The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) had demanded a total of 233 RCRC boats.

However, it has been decided with the consent of the Reference Committee to provide the equipment on a pilot basis to the disaster-prone/coastal districts and the SDRF and then provide the equipment to the remaining districts and response mechanisms after reviewing the utility and requirement,” officials said.“Accordingly, out of the demand made by the DDMA and SDMA, administrative and financial approval to the proposal to supply 125 RCRC equipment on a sponsorship basis was under consideration,” officials said.

“Maharashtra is a multi-disaster prone state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a 10 Point agenda for disaster risk reduction. This focuses on strengthening local disaster management systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Emphasis was placed on empowering local agencies with disaster management materials/training to respond quickly to disasters. As per the norms of the 15th Finance Commission, response agencies are to be provided with necessary equipment and machinery for Search and Rescue operations through provisions under the Preparedness and Capacity Building component,” officials said.“The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) had demanded a total of 233 RCRC boats. However, it has been decided with the consent of the Reference Committee to provide the equipment on a pilot basis to the disaster-prone/coastal districts and the SDRF and then provide the equipment to the remaining districts and response mechanisms after reviewing the utility and requirement,” officials said.“Accordingly, out of the demand made by the DDMA and SDMA, administrative and financial approval to the proposal to supply 125 RCRC equipment on a sponsorship basis was under consideration,” officials said.