SHILLONG, July 23: Fuelling its ambition for the much-vaunted drone project, the Meghalaya government is eyeing 14 more drone-landing pads to take the count from 11 to 25 landing pads.
Meghalaya’s drone project seems to be working quite well considering the fact that delivering medicines to far-flung and difficult-to-access areas is a big challenge in the state.
Although the government appears resolute in its intent to add more landing pads, its plan is, however, facing a challenge due to erratic rainfall pattern in the state.
Jengjal in Garo Hills is currently the only drone station. These drones, apart from delivering life-saving medicines, also bring back blood and other samples to diagnostic facilities.
The drone project was started in October 2022.
The government wants to have at least one such station in West Khasi Hills, East Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Ri-Bhoi.
Meghalaya’s problem insofar as expanding the service across the state is the liberalised drone rules which prescribe three zones – green, yellow, and red.
In green zones, drones can fly without any permission while permissions are required in the yellow zones. Meghalaya’s problem is with several red zones along its boundary with Bangladesh where medicines cannot be delivered by drones.
However, the state government is discussing with the Centre to get the necessary permissions.
The government had devised a plan to overcome the challenges using a network of landing pads throughout the state.
It is also learnt that the upgrade of the drones is also complete and the state government would continue to use their services.
