Bhubaneswar: Embracing cutting edge technology in fight against the novel coronavirus, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) undertook spraying of disinfectants through drones from Rajmahal Square to Sishu Bhawan Square here, Tuesday.
In joint venture of the BMC and Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL), two drones were deployed on a pilot basis for this purpose. While one drone was used for surveillance purpose, the other flew at a height of 2 metres (6 feet) spraying disinfectant across the stretch between Rajmahal Square and Sishu Bhawan Square.
“The disinfectant-spraying drone has a capacity of carrying 15 litres of solution and can spray the same over a stretch of 1.5 km with a spread of 5 metres within a period of 15 minutes. This was done on a trial basis and after discussions we might operate more in quarantine- affected zones and other places,” an official at the BMC said.
The disinfectant solution which was mixed with water at a ratio of 1:100 was used by drones. Before spraying, the BMC had barricaded the entire stretch from Rajmahal Square to Sishu Bhawan Square along with all the arterial roads joining the main road ensuring that the stretch was free from people and animals for the spraying of disinfectant.
The civic body’s move comes in the backdrop of other major cities like Chennai, Noida, Varanasi, Raipur opting for drones in large numbers to either spray disinfectant, make public announcements, watch over the crowds and even providing with dispensers or deliver essential commodities .
If sources are to be believed, the BMC, after review, may deploy about 15 drones in the city and may rope in a few startups that provide drone-services on contractual basis. “Along with consultation with the BSCL we may use drones as an effective way of battling COVID-19. Given the shortage of manpower and rising challenges, the technology may be helpful,” a source at the BMC said.
Meanwhile, the twin city Commissionerate Police said they have started using drones to patrol the containment zones. Those moving outside are being advised to stay indoors when they are alerted by the sound system on the drone.