TTD vigilance staff trained in drone technology for enhanced security

Tirupati: A drone awareness session was successfully conducted for the vigilance dept staff of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams at Sri Venkateswara Central Library and Research Centre in Tirupati on Thursday. The initiative aimed to enhance understanding and adoption of drone technology to improve security, surveillance and safety operations at Tirumala and Tirupati. Around 57 officers from the TTD's vigilance dept took part in the training programme and received insights into various aspects of drone technology. The session covered various topics, including the history and evolution of drones, Drone Rules 2021, the role of drones in security and safety operations, integration of drones with artificial intelligence, drone forensic investigation and counter-drone technology. The training session was conducted by Ariista Academy and facilitated by HCL Technologies as part of their continued support for strengthening technological capabilities in public safety operations. After the session, 6 vigilance dept officers were selected to undergo hands-on drone training and remote pilot certification. Upon completion of the training, these officers will be certified to operate drones for official surveillance and monitoring activities in Tirumala and Tirupati. With 2 TTD vigilance officers already obtaining a drone pilot licence in 2024, the total strength of drone pilots at TTD will rise to 8 after completion of the training and certification of the current set of 6 officers, said TTD chief vigilance and security officer K V Murali Krishna.HCL Technologies is donating two drones equipped with day and night vision camera capabilities and a thermal camera to enhance night surveillance and monitoring capabilities for multiple security and safety operations, including border and perimeter security, disaster management, wildlife monitoring, and traffic and crowd management, ultimately ensuring the safety and security of devotees and infrastructure at Tirumala and Tirupati.