Gurgaon: Police in Gurgaon have started using
drones to survey crowded market areas and make announcements about the importance of wearing
masks and
social distancing. While most states had already been using drones since the initial days of the
lockdown, it is only now that the cops in Gurgaon have adopted the strategy.
On Thursday, the city police flew a machine over
Khandsa Mandi, one of the most crowded
markets and among the areas with the highest caseload. Despite repeated appeals, the authorities have failed to contain the daily crowd at the mandi. From Khandsa, the drone flew over
Sadar Bazar and adjoining areas.
“We have started using a drone for surveillance in crowded areas and making announcements to raise awareness about social distancing and the importance of wearing masks,” police spokesperson Subhash Boken said. He added that the machines would not only help the police keep an eye on crowds, but the footage would also act as proof against violators while issuing challans.
According to Boken, 938 challans were issued on Wednesday for violations of Covid guidelines. In total, Gurgaon police have issued 95,694 challans in total and collected Rs 4.8 crore in fines.
While Delhi Police have been using drones for long, lack of funds and the machines have affected the drive in Noida. Delhi Police had procured 12 drones from the Defence Research and Development Organisation for using them in narrow lanes and congested areas.
The cops had also procured some machines from private agencies. Each drone is equipped with a camera and has a payload capacity of 500 grams and a range of 5km.
In neighbouring UP, the Allahabad high court had on November 24 said that vigilance on wearing of masks should continue for at least 30 more days and surveillance should be done by drones on a 24x7 basis. However, since the aerial surveillance requires funds for hiring the drones on an hourly basis, the police in Noida have still not been able to begin the programme.