Srinagar, Mar 10: Following directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) , the Jammu and Kashmir Police is mulling to procure high-tech unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) drones for multiple operations, officials on Sunday said.
A senior police officer told Rising Kashmir that the department is in process to procure 63 UAV drones for multiple purposes and these drones will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, enabling them to carry out a range of operations, including reconnaissance, tracking, and situational awareness.
“This technological leap is expected to significantly enhance the police force’s capabilities in dealing with emerging threats and ensuring the safety of the region,” he said.
The police officer said the department has recently issued a tender (B/4640311) till 8th March and soon police will have this technology. Apart from Police headquarters, 2-3 UAV drones will be sent to District Police headquarters for the usage, he said, adding that policemen will be trained to use this technology.
“It will be mainly used to oversee terror operations, aerial photography, area coverage, forest fire monitoring, river monitoring, environmental monitoring, policing and surveillance, infrastructure inspections, curbing smuggling,” he said.
The officer further said that these drones have top-notch cameras that see in high definition and have powerful zoom and night vision capabilities. These drones can take off almost anywhere and stay in the air for a long time, he said.
“By watching from above, these drones help keep police officers safe by reducing their terror incidents, ultimately saving lives. It is a smart way for law enforcement to use technology and to be more effective while keeping everyone safer,” he added.
Earlier Jammu and Kashmir Police had also initiated to procure state-of-the-art Mini Remotely Operated Vehicle (mROVs)designed for anti-terrorism operations including Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and surveillance operations in various scenarios in the Himalayan region.
In Jammu and Kashmir, both Army, CRPF, BSF are using drones to oversee multiple operations.
Pertinent to mention here, in October last year, J&K government constituted 6-member Union Territory level Empowered Committee headed by Financial Commissioner (ACS) Home for deliberating upon modernization plan of Jammu and Kashmir Police under the scheme Assistance to States or UTs and approving it for submission to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Government of India.
It was aimed at strengthening police infrastructure by equipping the police with the required mobility, modern technology, weaponry, communication equipment etc.
