New Delhi: The innovator from the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL) Sonam Wanghchuk has come up with an innovation that could be an answer that the Indian Army has been searching for. A tent that can keep its soldiers warm in minus degree temperatures. The solar-passive structure is portable, prefabricated and can be assembled on the spot. It costs about Rs 5 lakh to build this solar-heated tent prototype.
In a late night tweet, the educational reformer said: “SOLAR HEATED MILITARY TENT for Indian Army at Galwan Valley +15 C at 10 pm now. Min outside last night was -14 C, Replaces tons of kerosene, pollution climate change. For 10 jawans, fully portable all parts weigh less than 30 Kgs.”
The tent is solar powered and is apt for high-altitude climes of Ladakh. What is more, it is portable as it is under 30 kg and soldiers could easily carry the parts. The tent could work even under sub-zero parts.
At present, soldiers carry kerosene to keep themselves warm but causes pollution and is detrimental to their health. There is also an added risk of fire accidents.
The solar-tent can accommodate 10 soldiers at a time. Showering praise, Anand Mahindra, chairman, Mahindra Group, said, “Sonam, you’re the MAN! I salute you. Your work is energizing, even this late in the evening…”
It may be noted that in the past, Sonam had made one for nomads. It is designed such that it absorbs good amount of sun and water to store. The tent’s insulation properties help retains it in the tent for jawans at night.
In the meanwhile, Sonam has also applied for patent and in the coming days he would be testing the tent in higher altitude conditions. Though the tent has been developed keeping the Indian Army in mind, it could be helpful for tourists, especially adventure seekers, tour operators, trekkers and even other forces personnel who are posted in cold climes.
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