Drones to detect congregations in Bhubaneswar
Senior cops watch a demonstration of a drone operation.
BHUBANESWAR: The commissionerate police have decided to use drones to enforce social distancing norms in the capital city. Senior police officers watched a demonstration of a drone operation on Thursday.
“We tested two drones today. Since police cannot remain present everywhere, we will use the drone technology to enforce the social distancing norms. The drones will detect congregations. A public address system will be attached to the drone. After identification of the congregations, we will disperse the mob through the attached public announcement system,” commissioner of police Sudhanshu Sarangi said. Sources said the commissionerate police had used drones to enforce social distancing norms in Cuttack city for few days.
Significantly, the commissionerate police recently mobilized drones in containment zones to keep tabs on lockdown violators.
In the wake of relaxations of several restrictions and restoration of public transport services, train and flights, the police on Wednesday announced to start special drive to insist people to wear mask and maintain safe social distance in the fight against Covid-19. On Thursday, a number of awareness campaigns were conducted in different areas in the city to sensitise people about the significance of using face masks and maintaining social distance.
“Our personnel visited busy market areas and spread awareness among visitors and buyers. Several people were seen without face masks and fined,” additional commissioner of police Anup Kumar Sahoo said, adding sources said at least 600 people were fined up to Rs 500 for not wearing mask at public places. “We have also engaged market communities to help maintain social distance outside their shops and insist buyers to wear masks. They should not sell products to buyers, who do not wear masks,” Sahoo said.
Deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Sagarika Nath flagged off a vehicle under the banner of Corona Sachetanata Rath (Corona awareness chariot) at AG Square. “We launched the campaign to educate people on the proper use of mask. Many people just wear mask without covering their nose and mouth. Two simple solutions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 is to wear mask by covering mouth and nose, and maintain a social distance,” Sagarika said. The traffic police also distributed masks free of cost among people at different traffic junctions.
The state police headquarters has asked SPs to launch massive awareness and enforcement drives. “Odisha police started special awareness cum enforcement drive for wearing mask in public places. I appeal to all Odisha residents to wear mask whenever they leave their home. Together we will defeat Corona,” DGP office tweeted.