Police forces are increasingly turning to drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to surveil populations and prevent the buildup of crowds during the ongoing lockdown in India.

Drones give the police a bird’s eye view of who is defying the lockdown in the narrow alleys and lanes where police vans cannot enter.

The incident took place in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh on 16 April shows police flying drones over places where they suspect violations of the lockdown can occur.

The places are then identified and those who violate the lockdown are booked

Remotely piloted devices, drones are naturally effective at minimising human interactions, which is crucial when the same officers meant to safeguard the communities could potentially become vectors for the virus to spread.

According to sources, residents of Solan have maintained a disciplined lockdown.

However, some people have violated the jurisdictions, by flouting the prohibitory rules set in place.

The drones have helped police to identify the same.

Police now rely on drones as a key surveillance instrument to keep tabs on people’s movements during the lockdown.