Gangtok (PTI): The Indian Army, in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad, has operationalised on-site 3D concrete printing technology for quick construction of bunkers, sentry posts and protective structures in forward areas of Sikkim, a Defence statement said.

The capability -- already proven in other operational areas earlier -- has been effectively employed by the Trishakti Corps in the Himalayan state, it said.

"The indigenous robotic 3D concrete printer, equipped with a robotic arm, circular mixer, piston pump and generator, is fully vehicle-portable and optimised for rapid movement in mountainous terrain," the statement said.

The printed structures have undergone live ballistic trials, validating their strength and protective performance.

The 3D concrete printing provides major operational advantages, including customised designs, enhanced blast and ballistic resistance, higher compressive strength, improved quality control, efficient use of local materials and rapid construction in tactically acceptable timelines.

It also supports terrain-specific designs and advanced camouflage needs.

The continued adoption of on-site 3D printing represents a significant leap in the Army's engineering and operational readiness, enabling fast, sustainable, and mission-oriented infrastructure development in challenging environments, it added.

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Kozhikode (PTI): Three members of a family, including a girl, drowned in a river at Nadapuram in this district on Saturday, police said.

The tragic incident occurred when the family had gone to Puliyavu river near Nadapuram, to wash their clothes.

The deceased were identified as Ansar (43), his wife Suhada (39), and Isa Mariyam (8), daughter of Ansar's brother--all residents of Puliyavu here.

According to preliminary information, the child accidentally slipped into deep waters and Ansar and his wife attempted to rescue her.

But all three were also pulled in by the current and drowned.

The couple's children alerted the locals, who initiated rescue efforts.

Though they were pulled out of the water, their lives could not be saved, police said.

The bodies were shifted to the nearby state-run hospital and further procedures are underway, they added.