India’s unique way to answer the dragon, training of soldiers for patrolling with two humped camels

New Delhi: India has prepared a very special plan to surround China i.e. the dragon in Ladakh. After the Doklam standoff, the Indian Army does not want to take any negligence in Ladakh. In these areas there are high mountains and there is no guarantee of weather. It is very difficult to patrol such a place or deliver goods. Even machines do not provide the support as expected. In such a situation, the army is looking for a new partner for patrolling and delivering goods. Two humped camels have emerged as an important resource in this search.

Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has a special institute in Leh, Defense Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR). This institute is busy in preparing these wild camels as their companions and as beasts of burden. These two humped camels are also called Bactrian camels. Bactrian camels are very hardy. They can easily survive at high altitude and can survive without eating or drinking for about two weeks. These camels can lift more than 150 kg weight.

In Central Asia they have been used to carry burdens. Even in cold and isolated environments, they can easily carry a weight of more than 150 kg. Colonel Ravikant Sharma of the Remount Veterinary Corps in Leh, Ladakh, said that in ancient times, two-humped camels were used to transport goods. However, the knowledge of how to make them domesticated and obedient has almost been lost in India.

Colonel Sharma, who is part of DRDO’s DIHAR, said that two-humped camels are an excellent option for the army’s logistics supply, especially last mile delivery. DRDO scientists say that supplying logistics in hilly areas is no less than a nightmare. The construction of roads in Ladakh has increased transportation options, but soldiers still have to rely on porters and animals to deliver goods last mile. he/she says that animals have proved their usefulness in logistics supply in hilly areas.

According to DRDO scientists, the capability of drones, quadcopters and all-terrain vehicles (ATV) has not been fully proven yet. At altitude, the technical options used depend on the weather, environment and terrain. In such a situation, getting help from animals will increase the operational efficiency. Zanskari ponies have been used extensively in the Ladakh sector since the 1999 Kargil war.

In eastern Ladakh, initial testing on Bactrian camels for the same purpose has been successful. The Northern Command of the Indian Army said that the two-humped camels can provide a new and effective way of patrolling and carrying supplies in the sandy plains in the plateau areas. The use of camels is creating employment opportunities for the local population. Their conservation efforts are also getting a boost.

Colonel Ravikant Sharma said training a two-humped camel as a soldier is very different from training it to provide tours for tourists. During battle, the animal has to remain still. All orders have to be followed even amidst the roar of machines all around. Trials are also being conducted on the use of Yak for carrying loads at high altitude (above 15,000 feet). Yaks have three times more red blood cells than native cattle and also have larger lungs. They are perfectly suited to carry loads up to 100 kg at heights.

Yak’s thick hair helps them survive in temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. They can graze at an altitude of 15,000 to 17,000 feet. The use of these animals becomes even more important today because if the enemy uses jammers, drones and robots can stop working when they are needed most.