Ans. The GP-DRASTI (Drone Response and Aerial Surveillance Tactical Interventions) initiative represents a landmark step in integrating drone technology into Indian law enforcement. It was introduced in Gujarat shortly after a surge in gang-related violence across cities such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Surat. The program is intended to enhance response time, situational awareness, and tactical decision-making by using drones for real-time surveillance during criminal incidents.

How GP-DRASTI Works

Under the initiative, when an incident is reported, both local police and the drone base station are alerted simultaneously.
Drones often reach the scene in less than half the time taken by ground patrol teams.
Live video feeds from drones enable real-time situational analysis, allowing authorities to assess escalation and dispatch reinforcements accordingly.
The program targets 33 police station jurisdictions in Gujarat's four most violence-prone urban centres. The focus is on crimes such as:
1. Assault
2. Rioting
3. Unlawful assembly
4. Street violence
5. Weapon displays
6. Mob lynchings

Goals and Benefits

Enhanced Response Time: Drones can be deployed within seconds and reach a crime scene faster than traditional PCR (Police Control Room) vehicles.
Real-Time Situational Awareness: Continuous aerial surveillance feeds help in making quick and informed tactical decisions.
Improved Surveillance Capabilities: Cameras have zoom capabilities up to 1 km, visual range of 700 meters, and built-in night vision, allowing effective monitoring even during low visibility conditions.
Operational Efficiency: Drones can be deployed in succession from multiple police stations to cover larger areas, thanks to a 45-minute flight time and a 4-km control radius.
Target Tracking and Facial Recognition: Drones are equipped to follow suspects and capture high-definition images, including facial features, enhancing suspect identification and evidence gathering.

Implementation Challenges

Infrastructure and Training: Effective use of drones requires skilled operators, secure command centres, and maintenance facilities, which are often lacking in local police infrastructure.
Privacy and Civil Liberties: Continuous drone surveillance in public spaces raises concerns about invasion of privacy and potential misuse.
Jurisdictional and Legal Limitations: Drone range (4 km) is often limited by station jurisdiction. Legal frameworks for drone usage in law enforcement are still evolving.
Cost and Logistics: Procurement, maintenance, and upgrading of drone fleets require significant investment, which may not be feasible for all states.
Technical Limitations: While drones can see through trees and bushes, solid structures obstruct line of sight, necessitating repositioning and potential delays.

Implications for Indian Policing

Positive Transformation: If scaled successfully, GP-DRASTI could serve as a model for tech-enabled policing in urban India, significantly enhancing law enforcement’s capacity for proactive response.
Smart Policing Ecosystem: It aligns with India’s broader vision of smart cities and digital governance, where law enforcement is integrated with real-time data systems.
Concerns on Over-Surveillance: Without adequate safeguards, this technology may lead to over-policing and erosion of civil rights.

The GP-DRASTI initiative exemplifies the integration of modern technology into traditional policing frameworks. By leveraging drones for surveillance, Gujarat Police have improved their ability to respond swiftly and effectively to public safety threats, including tracking fugitives and locating missing persons. However, for sustained success, it is crucial to address the challenges related to infrastructure, legal frameworks, privacy, and cost. A balanced and regulated approach will be essential for the responsible and effective deployment of such technology across India.

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