
Hyderabad – A drone deployed as part of a survey for designing a digital master plan for Vikarabad District’s Tandur caught fire after coming into contact with high-tension power lines on Tuesday.
According to sources, local revenue officials, along with municipal authorities and representatives from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, have been conducting a large-scale survey using advanced drones across the district. This survey is part of the Union Ministry’s initiative to develop a Geographical Information System (GIS)-based master plan under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 program, with funding support from the central government.
On Tuesday, a drone deployed for this survey unexpectedly descended after reaching a certain altitude, became entangled in high-tension electrical wires, and subsequently caught fire before falling into a nearby agricultural field. Officials indicated that the drone may have experienced a technical issue, leading to a loss of connection with its remote controller.
Vikarabad was selected alongside other towns to pilot this GIS-based initiative, with local authorities actively collaborating with district officials and the Survey of India to ensure the project’s success.
The incident has prompted concerns regarding the technical aspects and operational safety of such high-stakes surveys, especially given the dense infrastructure and proximity to residential areas. This highlights the need for enhanced safety protocols as the project continues.
Recommended Safety Precautions and Expert Advice
Following the incident, experts and local authorities have shared several recommended measures to ensure safety in future survey operations:
- Pre-flight Safety Inspections: Conduct comprehensive pre-flight checks to ensure all drone components, especially navigation and remote-control systems, are functioning correctly.
- High-tension Line Mapping: Map high-tension wires and other potential aerial hazards in the survey area. This data can be integrated into the drone’s navigation system to avoid restricted or hazardous zones.
- Establishing Safe Flight Altitudes: Designate safe flight altitudes, particularly in areas with significant electrical infrastructure, to reduce the risk of accidental contact with power lines.
- Training for Local Officials: Provide thorough training on drone operations and emergency procedures for all operators and survey personnel, especially those new to drone technology.
- Contingency Planning: Equip all teams with contingency plans for managing drone malfunctions or loss of control, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing projects.
- Community Awareness and Caution Signs: To ensure resident safety, place caution signs in areas where drones may be flying at low altitudes.
Moving Forward with the AMRUT 2.0 Project in Vikarabad
Despite this setback, Vikarabad’s administration and the Survey of India are committed to advancing the GIS-based digital master plan project, incorporating improved safety protocols to avoid similar incidents. The Union Ministry has expressed continued support for the adoption of advanced digital survey tools to improve urban planning.
As drone technology plays an increasingly prominent role in urban and rural development projects, adhering to comprehensive safety measures and pre-planning will be essential to achieving project goals while ensuring the safety of both the community and operational teams.