Srinagar, Jan 01: Jammu and Kashmir Police, in adherence to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines, is contemplating the procurement of state-of-the-art Mini Remotely Operated Vehicles (mROVs) tailored for anti-terrorism operations, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and surveillance in the Himalayan region.
According to a senior police officer, the department is in the process of acquiring two advanced ROV mini vehicles designed for remote operations in tasks such as EOD and surveillance. The strategic move aligns with contemporary security needs and aims to introduce cutting-edge technology for effective law enforcement in the region.
The officer emphasised the necessity for versatility, stating that the mini ROVs are intended to operate in various scenarios, including aircraft, train compartments, bus stations, passenger terminals, and vehicle examinations. Additionally, these vehicles are expected to function seamlessly in all weather conditions.
The department has outlined specific technical requirements for the mini ROVs, specifying a telescopic extension ranging from 1 meter to a maximum of 2.5 meters or more from ground level. The ROVs should possess a modular design for easy fixation and removal.
The envisaged applications of these ROVs extend to conducting room interventions during anti-terrorism operations, carrying out EOD and surveillance within aircraft and trains, requiring a high degree of adaptability.
In terms of mobility, the police have specified that the ROVs must be capable of climbing up and down a staircase slope of at least 45 degrees while carrying an 8-kg load. The vehicles should feature at least two speeds and be operational in all weather conditions, with an operating temperature range from -10 degrees Celsius to 55 degrees Celsius.
Further requirements include equipping the mini ROVs with two video cameras – front and rear – possessing infrared capability, a minimum range of 3 meters, 10x zoom, and a PTZ (Pan, Tilt, and Zoom) fusion camera. This camera system is expected to have the capability to recognize human form factors at a minimum range of 200 meters.
In October of the previous year, the J&K government constituted a 6-member Union Territory level Empowered Committee to deliberate upon the modernization plan of Jammu and Kashmir Police. The committee, headed by the Financial Commissioner (ACS) Home, aimed at strengthening police infrastructure through the acquisition of mobility, modern technology, weaponry, and communication equipment, among other essentials.