Himachal to Revolutionize Disaster Response with Drone Stations at Every District
The Himachal Pradesh government is set to transform disaster management by establishing drone stations across all district headquarters. These stations will deploy high-capacity drones to address challenges posed by the state’s frequent natural disasters, including landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods, which often cut off access to remote areas.
Himachal Pradesh’s rugged terrain and scattered settlements make disaster response efforts particularly challenging. Blocked roads and difficult conditions during emergencies can delay critical rescue and relief operations. Drones, however, offer a groundbreaking solution by swiftly transporting essential supplies and medical aid to affected regions.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu revealed that the government has already conducted a presentation on procuring advanced drones and will complete the necessary formalities soon. He highlighted the urgent need for high-capacity drones, as the current ones used by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) can only lift up to 5 kg.
Beyond drones, the government is also modernizing SDRF infrastructure and integrating Home Defense teams as first responders during natural disasters. This move aims to enhance the speed and coordination of emergency actions.
By leveraging drones to navigate difficult terrains and assist in rescue operations, Himachal Pradesh is poised to revolutionize its disaster preparedness. This forward-thinking initiative promises to save lives, reduce risks to human rescuers, and bolster the state’s capacity to manage frequent calamities effectively.
