Switzerland Proposes Nearly ₹ 50 Lakh Reward for Solutions to Remove Ammunition from Lakes

Zurich, August 20, 2024 – Switzerland is offering a substantial reward of 50,000 francs (approximately ₹48.5 lakhs) for innovative solutions to safely remove thousands of tonnes of ammunition dumped in its lakes. The Swiss government is seeking creative approaches to address the environmental and safety risks posed by the submerged munitions.

The ammunition, estimated at around 3,300 tonnes in Lake Lucerne and 4,500 tonnes in Lake Neuchatel, was disposed of by the Swiss military during the Cold War era. The practice, which lasted from 1918 to 1964, involved using the lakes – including Neuchatel, Thun, Brienz, and Lucerne – as dumping grounds for outdated munitions. This method was believed to be a secure disposal solution at the time, but it has since been recognized as a potential environmental hazard.

The munitions are buried under layers of sediment, some as deep as 220 meters and others as shallow as six or seven meters. The presence of toxic TNT poses a risk of water and soil contamination, while the potential for explosions presents a serious safety concern. Recovery operations are complicated by the need to avoid disturbing the lake’s delicate ecosystem, which could lead to oxygen depletion and further ecological damage.

The Swiss defense department is now seeking proposals for a safe and environmentally friendly method to retrieve these munitions. The competition, open to the public and anonymous, invites entries until February 6, 2025. The top three submissions will receive prize money totaling nearly ₹50 lakh. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of experts, with results expected to be announced in April 2025.

Retired Swiss geologist Marcos Buser, who has advised the government on this issue, emphasizes the importance of careful planning due to the dangers of explosions and contamination. He suggests consulting countries with experience in dealing with wartime wrecks, such as the UK, Norway, or Denmark, to inform the recovery efforts.

This initiative follows a history of criticism regarding Switzerland’s handling of munitions. Notably, a 1947 explosion in Mitholz resulted in nine fatalities and the destruction of the village. More recently, the military’s revelation of 3,500 tonnes of unexploded ammunition buried in the mountains led to a decade-long cleanup operation.

Sources By Agencies

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