Hyderabad student develops special emergency communication device for hilly areas

When heavy rains occur or natural disasters like landslides strike in hilly areas, the disruption of telecom infrastructure is a common problem. In such situations, mobile networks shut down completely and people are cut off from the world. Due to the lack of communication, it becomes difficult to even receive emergency updates. According to a report, Agam Jain, a Class 12 student at Indus International School in Hyderabad, has found a solution to this serious problem. Agam has developed a unique satellite receiver named 'SummitSathi', which can function without the internet or a mobile network.

The working mechanism of this device is extremely interesting. Generally, smartphones and weather applications are entirely dependent on the internet, but SummitSathi requires no internet. It establishes direct contact with weather satellites orbiting in the sky and displays clear images of clouds on the screen by retrieving them from there. Through these images, local people can know in which direction the clouds are moving and what the weather will be like in the coming time. In areas where it is impossible to install telecom towers due to extremely difficult geographical conditions, this device could prove to be a blessing.

The biggest feature of this project is its low cost and simplicity. According to media reports, it costs approximately ₹68,000 to prepare one unit of SummitSathi. This device has been made using common parts easily available in the market, making it much cheaper and more affordable compared to large satellite setups prepared at a cost of crores of rupees. Agam's team was not satisfied with just making the device, but also taught local people how to use it. Plans have been made to install three such receivers in 10 villages of the Seraj valley area of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh. For this, three local operators have also been given special training so that they do not have to depend on outside experts for minor technical matters.

However, some clarifications regarding this device are also necessary. People associated with the project have stated that SummitSathi is not a magic wand that can predict cloudburst events in advance. It cannot replace official forecasts or emergency alerts from the government or the meteorological department. It is merely a supportive medium that helps people remain cautious by observing the condition of clouds even when all means of communication are shut down.

This is not the first experiment for Agam Jain. Having a deep interest in science and research, Agam had previously spent 24 months visiting 25 different areas of Hyderabad to collect data on the brightness of the night sky and light pollution. Additionally, he has written a book titled 'A Window to the Universe', which showcases his passion for astronomical photography and space. His journey proves that if hard work is put in the right direction and there is a passion to bring solutions to social problems, age or grade of study does not become an obstacle. His discovery is even being compared with the giants of the technology world.