The project started with a strong motivation based on the catastrophic effect of floods in Assam and Kashmir in the year 2014. It claimed the lives of more than three hundred people and affected thousands. It was realised that there are limited ways by which people can be rescued in floods. Especially in places like Kashmir which got hit by such a severe scale of flood for the first time in the history.Based on interaction with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, we have designed a special purpose vehicle. The final design evolved to become a stack-able boat, which can easily be bulk transported to remote locations. The main structure material is fibre glass whose buoyancy is supported by two parallel air-tubes which further enhances its load carrying ability. The main structure also protects the tubes from floating debris and sharp obstacles. The design houses retractable ladders to onboard people stuck on house-roofs and deep waters. The transparent soft canopy has an air pocket. The transparency allows good surrounding visibility and the air pocket protects people during hailstorms. Four electric winches are placed on the four boat corners to attain stability in fast flowing water. These are the highlighted features. The design also supports space to carry life jackets, pedals, food, and stretcher for victims.
Prof. Nishant Sharma