LUCKNOW / KANPUR, 11 JULY 2025
In a major step towards enhancing soldier safety in high-altitude and glaciated terrains, the Indian Army’s Central Command has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur for the research and development of an Auto-Luminescent Avalanche Victim Detection System (AAVDS).
The MoU was signed under the guidance of Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Surya Command, headquartered at Lucknow. The collaboration aims to leverage indigenous technological expertise to develop a state-of-the-art system capable of instantly detecting and designating the location of personnel buried under snow during avalanches.
The proposed system will utilise a luminating liquid, fired from a compact attachment worn by the soldier, to mark the exact location of an individual trapped under snow. This will significantly reduce rescue timelines, enhancing survival chances during such emergencies.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta said, “This collaboration with IIT Kanpur marks a milestone in the development and utilisation of indigenous technology to provide an advanced mechanism for detecting and rescuing avalanche victims in high-altitude and glaciated regions.”
Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, Chief of Staff, Surya Command, added that this initiative exemplifies the commitment of the Indian Army towards self-reliance in defence technologies and enhancing operational capabilities of field units in extreme terrains.
Dr Subramany, Senior Professor and Project In-charge at IIT Kanpur, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration provides an opportunity for domestic R&D agencies to contribute directly to enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Army. IIT Kanpur remains committed to undertaking more such path-breaking projects in the future.”
The project will be progressed and monitored by an Ordnance Maintenance Company under HQ Central Command, headed by Lt Col Piyush Dhariwal. The initiative aligns with the national vision of Atma-Nirbhar Bharat, fostering innovation and indigenous defence solutions to safeguard India’s soldiers.
The significance of this project was highlighted in view of the recent tragic avalanche near Mana Pass along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where over 50 Border Roads personnel were trapped in snow, resulting in loss of precious lives. The AAVDS is expected to transform rescue operations by ensuring precise and timely victim detection.
Apart from military applications, the technology will also have potential civil end-use for mountaineers and adventure tourists operating in avalanche-prone areas, enhancing overall safety standards.
This collaboration reinforces the Indian Army’s resolve to integrate cutting-edge research with operational realities, ensuring mission readiness and protection of its brave personnel deployed in the harshest of terrains.
SHANTANU/DWARIKA/109/2025
