A
team of five civilian employees representing Quality Circle Group of the
Naval Dockyard at Visakhapatnam achieved a remarkable breakthrough by
designing and developing a system for effectively combating vehicular
pollution. The team, led by Mr M Rama Rao, a high skilled Mechanic
Grade-I, modified the exhaust system of Shaktiman, a popular heavy
vehicle of 3-tonne capacity extensively used by all the three wings of the
Armed Forces, by adopting innovative and indigenous techniques.
In
a case study undertaken by the team, a Shaktiman vehicle was fitted
with a chemical tank at the outlet of its silencer and exhaust gases were
released into atmosphere at a height of ten feet above the ground. This
resulted in a substantial reduction in pollution and emission levels,
thereby complying with Euro-II standards. The modified vehicle has been in
use for the last few months and its performance is extremely satisfactory
without compromising its efficiency.
The Quality Circle is a concept to encourage
individual participation and improvise productivity at the shop floor
level of an industry. It comprises a voluntary group of workers who meet
periodically, discuss and analyse problems and take up challenges in their
work areas to evolve innovative solutions. The Quality Circle movement
made its beginning in 1993 at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam in line
with major public sector industrial units in the country. From a mere 14
circles at the time of inception, the yard accomplished rapid strides and
has as many as 167 Quality Circles as on date. The Quality Circles of the
Naval Dockyard have participated in various regional, national and
international level conventions and won appreciation on a number of
occasions.
