In response to a growing number of reports and complaints regarding nighttime drone activity in Pune district, the Pune rural police have announced plans to acquire two anti-drone guns. This decision comes after increased sightings of drones, particularly in the eastern parts of the district, leading to anxiety and confusion among residents.
Since April 2024, over 20 incidents involving both high and low-flying drones have been reported to the police, resulting in ten formal complaints. Social media platforms have been abuzz with photos and videos of these nighttime drone flights, further fueling public concern.
To address the situation, the Pune rural police have undergone specialized training in the use of "anti-drone guns" from experts. Rural SP Pankaj Deshmukh confirmed the move, stating that a proposal has been submitted to the District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC) to procure the two guns.
Deshmukh explained that these guns would disrupt the communication systems of unauthorized drones, enabling the police to take control of them. This measure is aimed at curbing the "indiscriminate drone menace" faced by citizens, who have been complaining about the inconvenience caused by the constant drone activity, especially during nighttime hours.
A special task force has been established to train the police force in various aspects of drone operation and control. The police have also received a demonstration from a private drone company, whose anti-drone technology is under consideration for purchase.
This initiative aligns with the Drone Rules 2021 released by the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, which mandates the registration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and prohibits their operation without obtaining a unique identification number. The rules aim to ensure the safe and responsible use of drones in Indian airspace.
The current drone concerns echo previous incidents, such as the booking of three tourists from Hyderabad in September 2023 for flying a drone in the restricted Air Force Station zone in Lonavla. In 2021, a similar incident involving a drone flown near the Indian Naval Station (INS) Shivaji in Lonavla also led to legal action.
The police have appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information or rumors about the drones. They urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious drone activity to the authorities.
