The Indo-Tibetan Border Police are also examining the use of Bactrian camels
After almost a decade of trails and evaluation, the Army has formalised the induction of Bactrian camels, the hardy, short and double-humped species found in Ladakh, for patrolling and ferrying loads to remote posts in high altitude areas.
A few weeks ago, the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) in Leh handed over 14 trained and deployable Bactrian camels, along with standard operating procedures and health records for training and management, to the Army’s 14 Corps. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police are also examining the use of Bactrian camels.
While an extensive network of roads has been developed in Ladakh, the last-mile connectivity to remote posts is through porters and pack animals. Drones as well as mechanical mules are also being introduced for logistics.
At high altitudes, the use of mechanical platforms like drones are affected by weather conditions, environmental factors and visibility, which animals to some extent can offset. For example, a drone may not be able to fly in fog, whereas men and animals can move on ground, a scientist said. Also, drones and other radio-controlled equipment are more susceptible to enemy counter-actions.
Following requirements projected by the Army, research was initiated in 2016 by DIHAR, a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratory, in collaboration with the Remount and Veterinary Corps, to study the feasibility and suitability of employing Bactrian camels for load carrying, patrolling and other logistics in eastern Ladakh.
Army formalises induction of hardy, double-humped camel for logistics in Ladakh The Indo-Tibetan Border Police are also examining the use of Bactrian camels
Bactrian camels can carry a load of about 170 kg at a height of 17,000 feet in Eastern Ladakh, showcasing their utility in the high-altitude terrain
