In a noteworthy advancement for disaster response technology, a deep tech startup based in Odisha, BonV Aero, significantly contributed to the Indian Army’s rescue operations following a landslide in Lachen, Sikkim. The startup utilized its innovative ground penetrating radar (GPR) drone system to detect subsurface anomalies without disturbing the unstable terrain, proving highly effective in the critical situation.
The drone, which is outfitted with cutting-edge real-time imaging systems, GPR sensors, and AI-driven anomaly detection software, conducted aerial scans of the debris-covered area. This technology successfully identified two important sites at depths of 0.76 meters and 0.015 meters, both subsequently validated as locations containing human remains.
BonV Aero’s CEO, Satyabarata Satapathy, emphasized the system’s capabilities, stating, “This system’s ability to detect beneath unstable land and transmit real-time data allows responders to act without risking further casualties.” The drones provided precise geographic coordinates that enabled soldiers to navigate through the rubble more efficiently, thus enhancing both the safety and effectiveness of the mission.
The rescue operation was in response to a series of catastrophic landslides triggered by severe monsoon rains in the Lachen region, located approximately 123 kilometers from Gangtok. The unfortunate disaster resulted in the deaths of three soldiers, with six others reported missing.
Abinash, the Chief Technology Officer of BonV Aero, highlighted the broader implications of this technological innovation, noting, “With this technology, India can now approach landslide rescue and disaster response with smarter, faster, and safer methods.”
The company’s rapid deployment of its GPR drone system within 24 hours of the incident signifies an evolving collaboration between tech startups and national agencies, aimed at tackling complex challenges posed by disasters in difficult environments. This partnership highlights how technology can play a vital role in enhancing emergency response efforts.
