BMC starts trial run of drones to rescue drowning victims

The idea of introducing drones was conceived by the Mumbai Fire Brigade in 2021. Since then the brigade has been in discussion with various stakeholders for developing these drones.

According to fire brigade officials, these drones will have the capacity to carry a maximum payload of 100 kg, and would be able to travel at a speed of 12-15 metres per second, depending on wind speed.

The officials also maintained that the drones would be unmanned and will be controlled through a remote and will have a maximum radius of 2 kilometres.

The drones are being equipped with rope-like-extensions that will help the victim catch hold of it, following which he will be bought to the mainland.

“Whenever a drowning incident take place, it takes time for the lifeguard to reach out to the victim. During monsoon it takes longer time. These drones will bring down response time drastically and will also avoid loss of lives,” said an official.

The civic officials maintained that cost of a drone would value around Rs 6-7 lakh and over the past one week trial operations were conducted in Juhu beach.

The trial runs were carried during the high and low tide and officials maintained that a distance of 60-70 metre could be covered within less than a minute.

The officials also maintained that currently trial run is going on. Therefore, the exact number of drones that will be inducted in the fleet is yet to be decided.

“These drones operate in radio frequency and there is no use of internet. This will give us an added advantage during extreme weather conditions during which internet connection usually stays down,” said an official.