Maharashtra Government to Buy 125 Robotic Rescue Boats for Rs 28 Crore

The Maharashtra government has decided to purchase 125 Remote Control Robotic Craft (RCRC) boats for Rs 28 crore to boost search and rescue operations in Mumbai and other disaster-prone areas. The unmanned, automated watercraft will be deployed to assist local emergency response forces during critical aquatic incidents.

Each of these advanced robotic boats will cost approximately Rs 22 lakh. Designed as scaled-down watercraft, the RCRC boats are equipped with remote control and automated systems. They are primarily intended to reach drowning victims quickly in situations where sending human rescuers might pose a significant risk to lives. Beyond active rescue operations, the boats are equipped with GPS-equipped sonar systems, which allow them to map water depths, monitor water quality, and assess sludge volumes in lakes and ponds.

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) had initially requested a total of 233 RCRC boats to meet their operational needs. However, the state government, with the consent of the Reference Committee, decided to provide 125 boats on a pilot basis first. These initial units will be distributed to disaster-prone coastal districts and the SDRF.

According to state officials, the utility and overall requirement of the robotic craft will be reviewed after this pilot phase. Following the review, the government plans to provide the remaining requested equipment to other districts and response mechanisms. Administrative and financial approval for the supply of these 125 RCRC units on a sponsorship basis was under active consideration.

This initiative aligns with the 10-point agenda for disaster risk reduction announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which focuses on strengthening local disaster management systems to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Under the guidelines of the 15th Finance Commission, response agencies are being equipped with necessary search and rescue machinery through the Preparedness and Capacity Building component.