Recently, India celebrated its biggest drone festival, the Bharat Drone Mahotsav 2022, inaugurated by the Prime Minister in New Delhi. The event showcased several key aspects of drone technology such as panel discussions, product launches, flying demonstrations and the display of a ‘Made in India’ Drone Taxi prototype . This significant event has brought to light various government initiatives to promote the use of drone technology in the country.
Understanding Drone Technology
Drones, or Unmanned Aircrafts (UA), were primarily developed for military and aerospace purposes. They have since penetrated mainstream industries due to the safety and efficiency they bring. Drone autonomy ranges from remotely piloted—controlled by humans—to advanced autonomy, where drones rely on sensors and LIDAR detectors to calculate movements.
Applications of Drones in Various Sectors
The uses of drone technology have grown in diversity and effectiveness over the years. In agriculture, drones are used for spreading micronutrients and conducting surveys to identify farmers’ challenges. They also play a significant role in defence as asymmetric weapons against terrorist attacks. Healthcare delivery has also been revolutionized by drone technology, with models like the i-Drone delivering vaccines in remote areas. Drones have also found utility in real-time surveillance, asset tracking, and law enforcement, among other things.
The Significance of Bharat Drone Mahotsav
The Bharat Drone Mahotsav 2022 was not only a celebration but also a promotion of drone technology in India. This tool is becoming an integral part of our lives due to its diverse applications in defence, disaster management, agriculture, healthcare, and tourism. Drones also present immense opportunities for employment and modernization of traditional agriculture practices, leading to increased productivity and reduced wastage.
Goverment Initiative: Drone Rules 2021
In an effort to encourage drone usage and make India a hub for drone technology, the Ministry notified liberalized drone rules in 2021. These rules abolished several permissions and approvals, significantly simplifying the process of operating drones in the country.
PLI Scheme for Drones and Drone Shakti Scheme
The government has also approved a Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Drones and their components to encourage local manufacturing and usage. Similarly, the Drone Shakti Scheme was introduced to promote drone technology through start-ups and skill training at Industrial Training Institutes. It aims to make drone technology more accessible to the masses.
Potential Impact and Future Prospects of Drone Technology
With the potential to revolutionize several sectors, including agriculture, mining, telecom, insurance, oil & gas, construction, transport, disaster management, and law enforcement, drones are a promising technology. The drone services industry is expected to grow to over Rs 30,000 crore in the next three years, generating over five lakh jobs. Hence, drone technology will remain a key focus area for the government and the wider industry in the years to come.
