Gujarat cops get a hi-tech eye in sky

Two UAVs,called netras,to aid police in surveillance

As a pilot project to boost surveillance,the Gujarat Police have purchased two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that will be used for the first time in the upcoming Jagannath Rath Yatra in the state.

Chief Minister Narendra Modi had appreciated the project when these UVAs,named netras,were displayed during the recent Gujarat Day function.

According to DIG (modernisation) Rajiv Ranjan Bhagat,these UAVs will give the state police a birds eye view in terms of surveillance. It is a GPS-based automated device fitted with infrared cameras. It uses one of the most advanced technologies available in the market today for aerial surveillance, he said.

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The UAVs have been purchased for Rs 55 lakh a piece from a firm run by ex-IITians. Once it takes off,the battery-powered device flies on auto pilot,charting its flight path with the help of anti-collision sensors.

The device,weighing two kg,is capable of recording every minute detail from a distance of several kilometres,Bhagat said,adding that the footages could be watched in real time at a control room. The UAV has a speed of 30 km per hour,he said.

Officials involved in police modernisation said the devices would be of great help for threat assessment,police deployment,traffic movement,VIP movement and important festivals and events in the state.

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