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Delhi Police plans to purchase 32 AI-equipped surveillance drones
Officers said that Delhi Police, for the first time, used drones during the Trilokpuri riots in 2014
Delhi Police deployed a drone over Jama Masjid as a security measure after the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament (Archive)
Delhi Police plans to purchase 32 surveillance drones for its 15 districts, as well as traffic and other units, it has been learnt.
Currently, the Delhi Police hires unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from private vendors for surveillance of sensitive areas or to conduct aerial monitoring of large gatherings and processions.
“We currently hire drones from private vendors. To promote the ‘bird’s eye view’ technology, which certainly helps us in several ways, the force has decided to purchase drones. A tender has been floated for private bidders,” a senior officer said.
The procurement will be carried out in phases.
“In Phase 1, 32 drones are being purchased, estimated to cost around Rs 30 lakh each. Later, more drones will be purchased depending on requirements,” the officer added.
The officer further said that the plan is to acquire over 100 drones. “These drones will be distributed across 15 police districts, traffic, and other units within the force,” he added.
Officers said that Delhi Police, for the first time, used drones during the Trilokpuri riots in 2014.
Drones were also extensively used by the Delhi Police during the farmers’ agitation of 2020-21 at the Capital’s borders to monitor the situation.
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Further, they were used to enforce Covid-19 restrictions across the city during the pandemic.
The police again used drones during the riots of 2020 to get an aerial view of the narrow lanes of Northeast Delhi and monitor the movements of people in the violence-hit areas.
“These days, drones have become a part of our security apparatus… In every big event that witnesses a large gathering, drones are deployed,” said an officer.
Sources in the police said that these UAVs, with cameras fitted on them, will be used specifically for surveillance purposes.
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“These drones will have the ability to capture high-quality aerial footage, have zoom capabilities… be equipped with Artificial Intelligence to track moving objects… It will also be equipped with night-vision cameras,” the officer said.
The police said the company from which the drones will be purchased will train police personnel on how to operate the devices.
In February 2022, then Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana had said that the force will get a dedicated unit for drones to handle law and order situations, manage traffic and secure vulnerable installations and premises. He had said the unit would come into force within two to three years.
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