Army turns to 3-D tech for troops’ housing
New Delhi, September 1
To add facilities for troops in forward areas, the Indian Army is now using 3-D printing technology for making housing and liveable habitations at a faster speed. These are part of providing quality rations and habitat, infusion and absorption of technology, optimal utilisation of units, personnel, animals and equipment to ensure combat readiness.
Army sources said gradually, modern technology is being adopted to cut down on long construction time. The Indian Army also has plans to make all its 306 military stations free from garbage landfill sites. Also, 68 solar projects are being set up including one at Siachen base camp.
The Army has tied up with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to explore its countrywide network to ensure delivery of quality rations to troops.
Sources said as part of technology upgrade, the last mile connectivity by using mules to send rations and small supplies would be done away with totally by 2025. All-terrain vehicles and drones that can carry load up to 25 kg are being inducted. Sources said now, the soldier sitting atop a picket on Siachen Glacier could get supplies like fresh vegetables more often.
While doing away
with animal transport,
the Army will maintain dog squads for countering insurgency and in counter-terrorism operations. Besides German shepherds, Belgian Malinois and labradors, the Army’s Remount and Veterinary Corps has inducted local breeds like Mudhol hound.
