Ladakh-based engineer Sonam Wangchuk, who inspired the character of ‘Phunsukh Wangdu’ in Bollywood blockbuster “Three Idiots”, has developed a mobile solar powered tent, accommodating 10 soldiers, for use by the Indian Army in high-altitude locations.
On how he came up with the idea, Wangchuk said that he decided to come up with the innovation after he came to know that around 50,000 Indian troops were deployed at high altitude areas in harsh winter conditions.
He said that at the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Ladakh, they innovate on ways for comfortable living at higher altitudes. Wangchuk, who has carried out research on solar heated houses for last 25 years.
He said that 15 years ago, he had developed a mobile shelters for nomad shepherds in the Changtang region of Ladakh. “While making this tent, we kept it in mind that these are portable. It is made also keeping in mind hilltops like Black Top, Rezang La and Siachen. When we open up this tent, it turns out into 30 to 40 parts and each part is less than 30kg,” Wangchuk said.
Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar thanked
Wangchuk and said that the innovation was very timely, absolutely relevant and perfect as usual.
