Drone News

Pune Municipal Corporation to Deploy Drones at All Fire Stations for Quicker Response

Posted by

Pradipta V Mukherjee

July 11, 2025

On July 11, 2025

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is planning to install drones at each of the city’s 15 fire stations to improve firefighting capabilities as part of a progressive effort to modernize emergency services. By employing drones for quick assessment, aerial surveillance, and operational coordination, the project seeks to completely transform the way fire emergencies are handled.

In light of current drone regulations, the civic organization has formally requested permission from the police department to use drones. After receiving approval, PMC will start pilot studies to assess drone performance in actual fire situations.

Drones will be incorporated into Pune’s firefighting process for the first time, according to Ganesh Sonune, head of PMC’s disaster management department. According to him, these drones will be crucial in locating casualties, assessing intensity, identifying fire sources, and facilitating quicker, better-informed responses. Under a five-year agreement, MAHAPREIT (Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited) will supply and maintain the drone fleet. Additionally, MAHAPREIT will provide drone operation training to PMC’s fire staff during this time.

Drones will help with post-event evaluations, emergency coordination, and real-time aerial visuals in addition to fire detection, especially in places where conventional fire trucks have limited access. Sandeep Khalate, deputy municipal commissioner of the disaster management cell, added, “Drones offer vital data before entering fire zones and significantly reduce firefighter exposure to hazardous situations.”

The drones will provide improved situational awareness, particularly in crowded or high-rise urban areas, thanks to their high-definition cameras and thermal imaging technology. Early detection and casualty prevention could be significantly enhanced by their capacity to detect heat signatures through smoke and darkness.

Regulatory compliance is still essential, though. Drone flights in Pune require prior police permission due to growing security concerns. Approvals are handled by the Pune Rural Police for areas outside the city limits and the Police Special Branch for city areas. Applications must be submitted at least seven days in advance. Section 233 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) stipulates that violations can result in penalties, especially in close proximity to sensitive areas like military bases or public gatherings.

Drone integration into fire services is being reviewed, according to PMC chief fire officer Devendra Potphode, although talks are still in progress. Drone use for firefighting in India is still in its infancy, according to a senior official. “Efforts in Ahmedabad and other cities were not very successful. Since most drones are made of plastic, they may not be able to withstand extreme heat or carry loads that would put out a fire. This presents a challenge, the official explained.

The PMC is still hopeful, though. Drones are predicted to be effective firefighting allies with the right preparation, training, and technological advancements, making emergency response a safer, more intelligent, and data-driven procedure.

Pradipta V Mukherjee

CEO, Mavdrones

Pradipta V Mukherjee is the visionary CEO of Mavdrones & Drone Pathshala, driving innovation and growth in the drone industry. With a passion for advanced technology, he leads the company's strategic direction, ensuring Mavdrones stays at the forefront of drone solutions. Under his leadership, Mavdrones has achieved remarkable success, including winning the 'Best Innovation and Technology in Drone Industry' award from ASSOCHAM. Pradipta is committed to revolutionizing the industry through advanced UAV technology, fostering a culture of excellence and forward-thinking within the organization.