Govt to procure 50 drones to boost police surveillance, disaster response

Patna: Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary said on Sunday that the Bihar Police will soon strengthen its operational capabilities with the purchase of 50 advanced drones, at a cost of Rs24.50 crore.This move is part of the ongoing police modernisation programme, with the procurement process initiated to integrate advanced drone technology into routine law enforcement operations across the state.Choudhary said the drones will prove helpful in multiple critical scenarios, including crowd control during large public gatherings and events, real-time monitoring of criminal activities, enhanced security measures in riverine areas and other vulnerable points, targeted operations in sensitive locations, and swift coordination during disaster management situations.

He highlighted how drones enable aerial surveillance in regions where conventional ground-based methods prove difficult or impossible, such as remote, rugged terrains or densely packed urban spots. “By providing accurate, real-time intelligence from the air, the technology will allow officers to make quicker, more precise decisions and carry out timely interventions against emerging threats or unlawful activities,” Choudhary said.

In geographically challenging areas, including extensive river systems across Bihar, the aerial view will deliver vital on-the-ground updates instantly, making enforcement far more effective, the deputy CM said, adding, if needed, the Bihar Police could draw guidance from the experiences and technical standards of central armed forces such as the Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to ensure the adoption of best-in-class drone technology.The state govt’s broader objective remains to equip the police force with modern resources, thereby strengthening the enforcement of law and order across Bihar more effectively and efficiently, he added.