11 months ago
Tamil Nadu to Procure FRP Coracles and Boats for Urban Flood Response
The government of Tamil Nadu wants to be better prepared for floods in cities.
They are buying special small boats called coracles and other boats to help people during floods.
These boats are strong and can float well.
The small coracles are good for narrow streets with less deep water.
The bigger boats will be used for rescue operations too.
This will help them rescue people faster and more safely when floods happen.
They are buying these boats because floods seem to be happening more often in cities.
Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department is procuring nearly 200 FRP coracles and about 300 boats for urban flood response.
The initiative is funded by the State Disaster Management Department to enhance preparedness in cities and towns.
Coracles, priced around Rs13,000 each, are intended for areas with less deep floodwaters.
Boats, costing between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh, will be acquired without engines to navigate submerged obstructions safely.
The procured vessels will be handed over to district collectors for deployment during flood emergencies.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department (on behalf of State Disaster Management Department)
- What
- Invited tenders to procure nearly 200 fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) coracles and about 300 boats for urban flood response.
- Where
- Tamil Nadu, for use in cities and towns during flood emergencies.
- When
- Tenders have been floated, with a second call after the first failed to attract sufficient bidders.
- Why
- To strengthen urban flood preparedness and improve flood response capacity in urban areas.
Key facts
- Number of Coracles
- Nearly 200
- Estimated Cost per Coracle
- Around Rs13,000
- Number of Boats
- About 300
- Estimated Cost per Boat
- Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh
- Boat Lifespan
- At least five years with minimal maintenance (if not exposed to direct sunlight)
Quotes
an official source
an official source involved in the procurement of flood response equipment
“We are procuring both coracles and boats to improve flood response capacity in urban areas. About 300 boats will also be acquired, most of them without engines or propellers, as such attachments could make navigation risky if there are submerged obstructions”
thehansindia.com
another official
an official involved in the flood preparedness initiative
“Once procured, they will be handed over to district collectors for deployment during floods”
thehansindia.com
an industry expert
an industry expert commenting on the financial aspects of boat procurement
“At present, a boat is hired at about Rs 4,000 per day. Since a new boat costs only Rs 1.5 lakh, owning them makes better financial sense for the government”
thehansindia.com
He
an industry expert suggesting year-round utilization of the procured boats
“They can coordinate with the Revenue Department during floods, and during the rest of the year, the boats can be used in inland farms for reservoir inspection and sampling”
thehansindia.com
A retired Fisheries Department official
a retired Fisheries Department official recalling past uses of coracles
“In fact, a baby was once delivered in a coracle at Padappai. Because it’s a small craft, it’s ideal for navigating flooded city streets”
thehansindia.com
