DRDO develops foolproof field shelters

The shelter has the capacity for accommodating 30 people and is capable of giving protection for 96 hours. ‘‘It is 28 metres long with an overall diameter of 2.5 meters,’’ he added.

It can be transported easily in a three-ton truck. It contains two water tanks of 1000 litre each for water supply with chemical toilets and pump for sewerage disposal: ‘‘For continuous power supply, two generators of 5 KVA each have also been installed in the shelter.”

The construction of the shelter is based on modular concept and comprises a corner entrance and exit module, two living modules, a utility module and a generator set module.

It is structurally strong enough to withstand 7.5 metric tonne circular pressure for the earth-covered portions and 15 metric tonne longitudinal pressure for the portions not covered by the earth, he added. The Army will place orders after carrying out detailed assessments, an official said.

‘‘We do not envisage any conflict escalating to a nuclear threshold in the present circumstances. Presently we are only launching a war on terrorism and shall take all actions required to ensure cross border terrorism comes to an end,’’ a source said.

‘‘Should it escalate into a limited conflict or even a full-fledged conventional conflict, there are several rungs before it reaches a nuclear threshold. The chances of a tactical nuclear strike are also not in the realm of reality. Therefore the fear of such a strike on bigger cities is unreal. However, these shelters are a precautionary measure,’’ a source added.