The welfare of Troops on the Frontline: Need for R&D Focus

Amidst the ongoing standoff, India and China have amassed thousands of troops in the region after a deadly clash in June 2020 with each nation not likely to move back to either side of Finger 1 to 8, overlooking the Pangong Tso Lake.

With the temperatures touching almost anything between minus 30-40 degree Celsius, the Indian Army soldiers are manning the posts where the conditions are very inhospitable. In today’s hi-tech world, it is the physical bravery of these men who are not only surviving against all odds but willing to sacrifice their lives.

Over the last half a century, more than 50 Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Labs have been sanctioned by the government for Defence related work. Around a dozen of these labs which are supposed to work on solutions related to a soldier’s health support system, with these named according to the problem faced on the front as a remedy.

The troops stationed at high altitude areas such as Siachen, Ladakh require High altitude equipment, clothing, special ration and sleeping facilities to face the onslaught of the inclement weather and ailments caused by extremely cold weather conditions. Comptroller Auditor General (CAG) of India has highlighted that delays occurred in the procurement of high altitude clothing and equipment items resulting in an acute shortage of essential items like clothing, snow goggles etc.

The same CAG Report also states that from 2004-05 to 2015-16, DRDO Lab DMRL completed 22 projects for R&D purpose but only two Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreements occurred with the Industrial Partners for full-scale production.

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