‘Sound canons’ that can send out a deafening alarm will soon be used by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to control stone-pelting mobs in conflict-hit Kashmir, as an alternative to the controversial pellet guns, that have blinded thousands over the last few years.
‘Sound canons’ that can send out a deafening alarm will soon be used by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to control stone-pelting mobs in conflict-hit Kashmir, as an alternative to the controversial pellet guns, that have blinded thousands over the last few years.
The CRPF has come out with specifications, asking manufacturers to submit details regarding the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), also known as sound canons.
The Request for Information (RFI), which is the first step to procure security-related equipment, stated the features CRPF wants in the device.
The LRAD can be used for dispersing violent mobs with its shrill ear-piercing sound and can also be used as a communication device to send out loud and clear warnings to a crowd.
One of the specifications mentioned by CRPF interestingly mentions that the device should be able to convert 50 English phrases or commands into at least five Indian regional languages. So that if required the force can use this in other parts of the country.
The specifications listed by CRPF indicate that the force is looking for a fairly potent variant. The device should have a continuous output of 153 decibels (db) sound pressure level at a distance of 1 metre and 121 db at 100 feet, the RFI says.
The CRPF has asked manufacturers to respond to the RFI and make their presentations by June 30, 2019. The CRPF has also asked the vendors and manufacturers to give an assessment of the threshold impact on human ears.
While the use of pellet guns has been criticised as it can damage the eyes, the use of sound guns has also triggered a controversy in other parts of the world, with human rights activists opposing it as the device can cause hearing loss.
“Certificate to this effect from any Indian government approved medical organisation must be submitted,” the RFI stated. The CRPF has not mentioned the quantity of LRADs required as it states the number will be decided at a later stage.
Sound pressure level above 90 dB can lead to chronic hearing damage if people are exposed to them daily. Anything above 110 decibels is considered extremely uncomfortable and above 130 decibels can cause severe pain in the ears.
The CRPF carries out mob control duties across the country and is also carrying out anti-Naxal operations in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.