Jharkhand plans drone surveillance of illicit liquor trade; Minister tests technology at Chutupalu

Bokaro: The Jharkhand government is preparing to use modern technology to effectively control the manufacture, storage and trade of illicit liquor. Drones will be used to keep watch on illicit liquor activity in difficult and remote areas.

As part of this effort, Excise and Prohibition Minister Yogendra Prasad Mahto tested drone technology at Chutupalu in Bokaro. The test is linked to an attempt to give a new shape to the monitoring of illicit liquor in the state.

Excise department teams find it difficult to reach areas with tough terrain. A drone-based surveillance system could prove helpful in such areas. It would help identify likely sites linked to the manufacture, storage and trade of illicit liquor, and would also assist in taking effective action against these activities.

The aim of the state government's initiative is to strengthen the excise department's monitoring and enforcement with modern technology. Curbing the illicit liquor trade and protecting government revenue are also among its priorities.

If drones are used effectively, the reach of surveillance in difficult and remote areas could widen. However, the real success of the system will depend on how quickly action is taken on the information gathered by drones, how regular the monitoring is, and how well the departments coordinate.

The drone test at Chutupalu is being seen as a step towards making the excise department's monitoring system in Jharkhand technology-based. Attention will be on the level at which the system is implemented in the coming time and how effectively it helps control the illicit liquor trade.