Chennai:
For first time in India, a rescue dog squad has been set up in Tamil Nadu to help save human lives during calamities like earthquakes or even a building collapse.
To begin with, the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Department has got five dogs that will be specially trained to sniff out survivors trapped in debris. These dogs will be trained for a year on an American model, to work long hours in adverse conditions.
"Because of their better seeing capacity, better smelling and hearing capacity they can quickly pinpoint where there are signs of lives trapped in debris. At these situations, time is very precious and they can definitely do a much better job than human beings," says J Rangarajan, MD, Woodstock Dog Training School.
Just like the dog squad from Europe that helped save many people trapped in the debris of the devastating 2001 earthquake in Gujarat.
"Soon we will also get a Saint Bernard, which can work in cold conditions. This can be used in hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal where there could be landslides," says R Nataraj, DGP Fire and Rescue Services.
So the next time there's a calamity in any part of the country, these experts may actually be flying in to save lives.