Drones to help curb sanders smuggling

Tirupati: In a bid to make the Seshachalam forests smugglers-free, the Red Sanders Anti Smuggling Task Force (RSASTF) is contemplating use of drones for effective surveillance of the deep forests.

A demonstration of a drone camera was conducted by a technical staff of a supplier at a forest area for the RSASTF senior officers. They were given firsthand information on the operation of the device in tracking down the movement of smugglers in the forest.

However, the RSASTF is yet to finalise the deal, as it has to take a decision on the type of drone camera to be utilised apart from preparing the ground for drone camera operations.

An official from the task force said that each drone would cost up to Rs 2 crone depending on the type of the drone.
Regarding preparing the ground for the operation of the drone cameras, the task force has to set up at least 10 base camps. The personnel have to be trained in operating the drone,” he said.

The drone will give the much needed fillip to the anti-smuggling operations. It would enable the task force to identify red sanders operatives; the wood cutters engaged in the felling of the precious red sanders tress and the carriers of the wood from the forest.

Apart from increasing the operational capability of RSASTF, the drone will also help to instill fear among the smugglers. This would go a long way in preventing the smugglers from outside venturing into Seshachalam forests.