
ISRO’s Transponder Technology Protecting West Bengal’s Fishermen
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has taken a significant step in ensuring the safety of deep-sea fishermen from West Bengal. The state-of-the-art Satellite-Based Maritime Safety Assistant System, or Transponder, has been installed in 300 trawlers to enhance communication, location tracking, and emergency response in the treacherous waters of the Bay of Bengal. This revolutionary technology has brought a new sense of security to the lives of these fishermen, who often venture into the open sea facing numerous challenges and risks.
The Transponder technology was developed by ISRO to provide a reliable and efficient means of communication, navigation, and emergency response for the fishing community. The device is equipped with advanced features, including GPS, AIS, and a satellite communication system, which enable fishermen to send distress signals to the authorities in case of an emergency. This technology has been specifically designed to cater to the needs of small-scale fishermen, who often operate in remote areas with limited infrastructure.
The installation of the Transponder technology has been a collaborative effort between ISRO, the Government of West Bengal, and the fishing community. The project was launched in 2020, and since then, 300 trawlers have been equipped with the advanced device. The technology has been a game-changer for the fishermen, who can now communicate with the authorities and receive critical information about weather updates, sea conditions, and potential threats.
One of the primary benefits of the Transponder technology is its ability to track the location of the fishing vessels in real-time. This feature enables the authorities to monitor the movement of the trawlers and respond quickly in case of an emergency. The technology also allows fishermen to send distress signals to the authorities, which can be received by the Indian Coast Guard and other emergency response teams.
The installation of the Transponder technology has been a significant boost to the fishing industry in West Bengal. The fishermen now have a reliable and efficient means of communication, which has increased their confidence and reduced their anxiety while venturing into the open sea. The technology has also enabled the authorities to respond quickly and effectively in case of an emergency, which has significantly reduced the risk of accidents and fatalities.
The Transponder technology has also been praised by the fishing community for its ease of use and reliability. “The Transponder device is very user-friendly, and we can easily send distress signals to the authorities in case of an emergency,” said Biswajit Das, a fisherman from Kolkata. “We feel much safer now, knowing that we have a reliable means of communication and emergency response system in place.”
The installation of the Transponder technology has also been recognized as a significant step towards promoting sustainable fishing practices in West Bengal. The technology has enabled the authorities to monitor the fishing activities and ensure that the fishermen are adhering to the regulations and guidelines set by the government.
In conclusion, the Transponder technology developed by ISRO has been a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of deep-sea fishermen from West Bengal. The technology has enhanced communication, location tracking, and emergency response capabilities, which have significantly reduced the risk of accidents and fatalities. The installation of the Transponder technology has been a collaborative effort between ISRO, the Government of West Bengal, and the fishing community, and it has been praised by the fishermen for its ease of use and reliability.
Source: https://thecsrjournal.in/isro-transponder-technology-brings-safety-revolution-west-bengal-fishermen/