Water bodies, especially lakes and rivers, play a crucial role in maintaining our planet's environmental balance. The cleanliness of these resources is paramount, not just for aesthetic reasons, but also for their preservation and sustainability. However, aquatic weeds and waste often contaminate these water bodies, causing significant problems for both the local ecosystem and the surrounding community.

To tackle this pressing issue, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), based in Bengaluru, has introduced an innovative solution named "Jaldost."

Jaldost is a special kind of airboat, essentially a boat powered by an aircraft engine, uniquely designed to aid in the clean-up of these aquatic environments. This boat was not just conceptualized out of thin air but was designed keeping in mind the specific requirements of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bengaluru's civic body. The prime task for Jaldost is to keep our water bodies free from weeds and waste, contributing to the broader goal of environmental conservation.

This innovative airboat was launched as part of the Central Government’s "One Week, One Lab" initiative. The name "Jaldost" was given to the boat by NAL, a laboratory under the wing of CSIR, which played a significant role in bringing this initiative to fruition. This invention is not only relevant but also quite crucial for a city like Bengaluru, which boasts of around 190 lakes. The health and cleanliness of these lakes can now be easily maintained with the help of Jaldost.

Jaldost is a testament to the prowess of indigenous technology and engineering. It is designed with a closed airtight pontoon, making it unsinkable and ensuring it can carry out its function without the risk of submersion. Moreover, it is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system, consisting of both air propulsion and paddle wheel propulsion. The paddle wheel propulsion aids in intricate manoeuvres and reversing operations, while the air propulsion offers an extra thrust, facilitating quicker travel to the shore and back.

But what makes Jaldost a game-changer in this environmental conservation effort? Its unique ability to navigate through dense weeds, collect them, and bring them to the shore makes it invaluable. The machine is fitted with a steel mesh belt conveyor system in the front, which continuously collects waste as it navigates the water bodies. This waste is then accumulated on a horizontal deck conveyor aboard the machine. After reaching the shore, the collected waste is unloaded via a rear conveyor system onto trucks or tractors, ready for appropriate disposal.

Another striking feature of Jaldost is its versatility. Being a special purpose trolley-cum-hydraulic launcher, it can be towed by a tractor, eliminating the expense of hiring mobile cranes and open-bed lorry trailers needed for its transportation.

The technology powering Jaldost has been developed in-house by CSIR-NAL, showcasing the strength and potential of indigenous research and development. The actual construction of Jaldost was a collaborative effort with Shrivari Engineering Systems, bringing together a blend of scientific prowess and engineering skill. This collaboration resulted in a machine that not only meets the specific needs of the BBMP but also has the potential to serve similar needs in other parts of the country.

CSIR-NAL took pride in stating that Jaldost represents a significant stride in conserving our water bodies more effectively. They elaborated on the inherent safety feature of Jaldost's design that ensures it remains afloat while operating on water bodies. This successful execution of the project further solidifies the credibility and potential of indigenous engineering.

Apart from the remarkable Jaldost, NAL also revealed QPlane as part of the same initiative. The QPlane is an electric unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is lightweight and capable of vertical take-off and landing. Powered by a lithium polymer battery, this UAV is designed to lift-off at a maximum weight of 30 kilograms and cruise at 23 metres per second.

With a maximum range of 30 kilometres, it has potential applications in surveillance (by being fitted with a camera for imaging or reconnaissance) and logistics (by being used for last-mile delivery). This multipurpose UAV further reinforces the technological advancement and innovative capabilities of NAL.

The introduction of Jaldost and QPlane symbolize a significant stride in technology development for environmental conservation and aerial surveillance, respectively. The ingenuity of these projects mirrors the possibilities of what can be achieved through local expertise and indigenous engineering. As a result, Bengaluru's water bodies can look forward to a cleaner, healthier future, and aerial operations can anticipate enhanced efficiency.