Drone System to Strengthen Maritime Security – Fisheries and Port Development Minister Nitesh Rane

Inauguration of Coastal Drone Surveillance System

Mumbai – A special drone surveillance system has been launched to prevent illegal fishing and infiltration in the state’s maritime areas. Fisheries and Port Development Minister Nitesh Rane stated that this drone system will further strengthen the security of nine coastal areas in seven districts of the state. The drone surveillance system was inaugurated by Minister Rane at a program held at the Fisheries Commissioner’s office. He was speaking on the occasion.

Minister Rane mentioned that under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the first 100-day plan for the department has been prepared. He further said that once the drone system is operational, it will monitor illegal fishing boats along the state’s 720 km long coastline, extending up to 12 nautical miles into the sea, using drone cameras. The drones will collect information on such unauthorized boats and serve as evidence for legal action. This will help curb illegal fishing. With the drone system in place, the state’s maritime areas will be under constant surveillance, making it possible to control illegal fishing activities.

Minister Rane explained that large trawlers and big ships from outside often cause significant damage to local fishermen, leading to a loss of income and posing law and order challenges. To address this, the Fisheries Department has taken a positive step using modern technology through drones. The drones will work in coordination with the Maritime Police Department, strengthening maritime security. Due to their speed, drones will cover larger areas simultaneously. The system will conduct a survey of 120 nautical miles in a single day, and it will be mandatory to carry out a six-hour survey each day. Information obtained from the drones will be shared with the concerned district offices. These drones have been developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The drones will track movements in the sea, and action will be taken against illegal fishermen, imposing maximum fines. The drones will also capture photographs, which will be used as evidence to speed up legal actions.

Minister Rane also mentioned that the central and state governments will effectively implement the Fisheries Act. He highlighted that Maharashtra is the first state to develop a drone-based surveillance system for its coastline.

On the occasion, a live demonstration of the drone surveillance system was conducted. A control room has been set up at the Fisheries Commissioner’s office for this purpose.