After analysing the requirements of range officers and forest guards in depth, a group of five from the city has come up with a prototype of durable and portable camps. Their innovation won them the first prize at the Maharashtra Tiger Tech Contest 2018 on March 26.

Speaking to Mirror, Ganesh Iyer, a member of the group, informed, “During our visits to Melghat and other forest camps, we observed that there are currently two kinds of forest protection camps being used. One is traditional — built of wood and bamboo and other is of concrete and brick. These constructions are relatively small and time-consuming to build. Due to the time taken for the construction, there is disturbance in the jungle. Also, construction costs are high due to more labour and other factors. And, due to the small sizes of the rooms and a lack of amenities, we observed that the forest officers face problems in storing equipment and paperwork.”

After detailed research and analysis, the team came up with an eco-friendly option. Contrary to the methods currently being used, the cost incurred on the project was as low as Rs 750 per square ft and assembling and dismantling of the structure is simple. The structure can be erected in two days with just two labourers.

Gaurav Kadu, a researcher who has worked on the project, explained, “We have tried to ensure that the internal and external walls are lightweight but have also ensured that we do not compromise on durability. The sandwich panels are made of polyurethane (PUF) and the model remains durable for over 70 years and can resist an earthquake of up to 8 on the Richter Scale.

Officials at the Melghat Tiger Reserve were impressed by the proposed prototype and may put it to use in the future.

“The projects submitted by the participants were judged by a jury comprising experts from the field and heads of various NGOs who have been rigorously working on wildlife conservation. Only after considering all the factors, including practical representation on the ground and feasibility, was the project made by the Pune team selected. The proposed plan offers many facilities to the officers at a feasible cost,” said Dr Jaydeep Das, livelihood expert at Melghat Tiger Reserve.