Uttarakhand’s drone policy yields no expected results: lack of infra hinders growth | India News

In absence of adequate infrastructure and dedicated drone corridors, Uttarakhand’s ambitious drone policy is not able to yield desired results. Currently, only one corridor is operational between Dehradun and Uttarkashi. This policy aims to create employment opportunities for 5,000 youths in the state in near future.

Dehradun: Despite drafting an ambitious policy in 2023 to facilitate the people in remote places in hills through drone-based services, Uttarakhand doesn’t seem to achieve expected results in the last one year. Lack of proper infrastructure and dedicated drone corridors are said to be the primary reasons behind this failure.

Presently, the only functional drone corridor is between Dehradun and Uttarkashi through which AIIMS Rishikesh has tried to provide healthcare services like necessary medicines and equipment via drones a few weeks ago. The state’s drone promotion policy aims to enhance drone technology for various services, especially in the hilly areas, but this slow progress in establishing drone corridors may affect Uttarakhand’s ambitions to become a hub for drone technology

This aims to create employment opportunities for 5,000 youths

In the month of August last year, Uttarakhand government gave its nod for Drone Promotion and Usage Policy to promote drone manufacturing and drone-based services in the state. The Uttarakhand Drone Promotion and Usage Policy-2023 aims to create employment opportunities for 5,000 youths in the state through drone production and services by 2030. The policy targets an investment of Rs 1,000 crore in this sector, with Rs 500 crore allocated for drone manufacturing and Rs 500 crore for services.

Lack of dedicated corridors hampers growth

Despite obtaining necessary approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Uttarakhand government’s plan to establish dedicated drone corridors across the state has not progressed. These corridors were intended to facilitate seamless drone operations in all districts, interconnected for efficient navigation. Although several companies have been empaneled for drone services, the absence of dedicated drone corridors is hindering growth.

Only operational drone corridor is between Dehradun and Uttarkashi

The strategic location of Uttarakhand, being a border state, has resulted in numerous restricted areas, requiring military clearance for drone operations, which poses a significant challenge. The only operational drone corridor is between Dehradun and Uttarkashi, which has already been used by AIIMS Rishikesh to provide healthcare services via drones. An official noted that districts prone to natural disasters, such as Rudraprayag and Chamoli, frequently face road blockages due to landslides. In these situations, drones could serve as an alternative for medical emergencies and other critical services.

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