Maharashtra on Thursday launched a drone-based surveillance system to prevent illegal fishing and to effectively implement the state’s Marine Fishing Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2021.
This makes Maharashtra the first state in India to use drones for enforcing marine laws. The state’s Fisheries Department has obtained nine drones to monitor seven coastal districts, with a control room set up in Mumbai to oversee operations.
The drones will monitor illegal fishing along the state’s 720-km coastline and 12 nautical miles of territorial waters. Data gathered will be used as legal evidence to take action against unauthorised boats.
The drones, in coordination with the coastal police, will enhance maritime security and conduct surveys of up to 120 nautical miles daily.
The surveillance will be conducted at key locations, including Shirgaon, Uttan, and Gorai, with footage accessible to authorities for prompt action. “Due to the drone system, the maritime area of the state will come under camera control. Therefore, it will be possible to curb illegal fishing,” state’s Minister for Fisheries and Ports Nitesh Rane said. These drones will be used for surveillance at designated locations such as Shirgaon (Palghar), Uttan (Thane), Gorai (Mumbai suburbs), Sassoon Docks (Mumbai City), Varsoli and Srivardhan (Raigad), Bhate and Mirkarwada (Ratnagiri), and Devgad (Sindhudurg).