Cops to get UAV for better surveillance

What is a drone

• A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle. It can fly autonomously through software in conjunction with the global positioning system. It can also be operated by a remote

Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Muktsar, March 2

In view of the Gurdaspur and Pathankot terror attacks, the Punjab Police have decided to buy an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for better surveillance.

The drone that may cost around Rs 25-30 lakh will help the police in scanning sensitive and crowded areas. The police have floated tenders, inviting quotations from bidders.

The UAV can operate from 400 metres above the ground, have a line of sight of about 4 km and can fly for a period of 40 minutes.

Besides, it will be equipped with some failsafe features like return to home in the event of loss of connection. It can work during night as well. It can operate between temperatures of -10 and 50 degree Celsius.

Further, it will be drizzle resistant. The device will also be able to work with Google maps or other available open-source maps. Gautam Cheema, IGP (Operation), Punjab, said, “This will be the first UAV of the state police.”

The state police will also buy 200 lightweight body protectors (providing total body protection against stone throwing, other projectiles, lathis, chemicals, etc), 200 polycarbonate shields, 97 full face gas masks, 70 high impact resistant shields, three Vajra (riot control) vehicles and two water cannon vehicles.

Courtesy: The Tribune