Magnetic rod to pick up metal pieces

MYSURU: Two youths have come to help Dasara elephants pass through the Dasara procession route without any injuries.
The magnetic metal detector designed by Santosh and H N Vijay will scan metal pieces and sharp metal objects that maybe present on the route. It will be fitted to a jeep that moves ahead of the lead elephant during the procession. It will attract metal pieces, thereby preempting any injury to the elephants trailing the jeep.
The duo came out with the device after getting to know about the injuries caused by sharp metal objects to the Dasara elephants. Usually, forest department staff, accompanying the elephants, pick the metal pieces up. The new device has now made their job easy. The device is made of 6-ft iron rod comprising 22 pieces of 3-inch magnets. The rod also has two wheels (of 5inch diameter each) on either side.
Veterinarian Dr Nagaraj, who is also in charge of Dasara elephants, said: "The device will definitely help the jumbos. Sharp objects, if pierced into their leg, will pose a problem. We have suggested the duo some changes. Once they are done, it will surely be a handy device."
Santosh and Vijay said they came to know about the problem through newspaper reports. "We hope the problem will be solved now as the device can even detect and remove sharp objects which are not visible. The authorities have asked for some changes so the rod can have more magnetic power," they added.