Borewell accidents have long been one of India’s most heartbreaking emergencies - narrow pipes, low oxygen, and almost no room for human rescue. Turning pain into purpose, an IIT Madras PhD student developed a machine designed to safely rescue children trapped inside borewells, reducing dependence on risky manual methods.

The device uses an inflatable mechanism that gently expands inside the borewell, stabilising itself without harming the child. Once positioned, it helps secure the trapped child safely and enables rescuers to pull them out vertically, saving crucial time. Unlike traditional rescue attempts that involve digging parallel pits - often taking hours - this solution focuses on speed, precision, and safety.

The innovation was inspired by repeated tragedies that exposed how unprepared rescue systems were for such accidents. Built with real-world conditions in mind, the machine is portable, adaptable to different borewell sizes, and designed to work even in low-visibility environments.

More than just a technical invention, this machine represents how engineering, empathy, and urgency can come together to save lives - and prevent future tragedies before it’s too late.