Himachal Drone Conclave 2023 unlocks the potential of drone technology in Himachal Pradesh - prof. Chander Kumar
New Delhi : The Himachal Pradesh Government, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), successfully organized the HIMACHAL DRONE CONCLAVE 2023 at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University (CSKHPKV) in Palampur, HP. The event, held on July 4, witnessed a remarkable gathering of experts, stakeholders, and drone enthusiasts from various industries, coming together to explore the transformative potential of drone technology in diverse sectors.
Prof. Chander Kumar, Hon'ble Agriculture Minister of Himachal Pradesh, inagurated the exhibition and said that the wide range of drones hold great significance for the state, farmers, and the tourism industry. He emphasized the importance of modernizing agriculture through the introduction of new technologies, stating that the HIMACHAL DRONE CONCLAVE 2023 signifies a remarkable step towards harnessing the power of drone technology in agriculture and allied sectors.
Speaking on the occassion, Dr Abhishek Jain, IAS, Secretary, Digital Technologies and Governance, Govt of HP praised the Drone Conclave 2023 and acknowledged the fulfillment of Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's promise to introduce a comprehensive drone policy in the state. This recognition highlights the significance of the event and showcases the government's proactive approach in embracing emerging technologies, creating an enabling environment for the integration of drones across various sectors.
Shri Ashish Butail, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh, expressed his eagerness for government reforms and the initiation of drone programs within the municipality. He highlighted the significance of drones in facilitating change.
Shri Gokul Butail, the IT Advisor to the Chief Minister, urged departments to utilize drones for various purposes and emphasized that drones should not remain symbolic objects. He mentioned that 11 additional ITIs would offer courses on drones, particularly focusing on drone service technician training. Shri Butail further added that drones can be used in sectors like IPH and PWD.
The HIMACHAL DRONE CONCLAVE 2023 featured insightful discussions on topics such as "Career Opportunities for Youth in Drone Technologies," "Applications of Drone Technology for Law Enforcement, Disaster Management, and Forest Officials," and "Drones for Agriculture/Horticulture and Forest Cover." The discussions aimed to explore the potential applications of drone technology in these respective fields.
Dr. Harinder Kumar Chaudhary, Vice-Chancellor of CSK HP Agriculture University, said, "We are privileged to host such an interesting conclave at the University. I am sure this will help in providing a breakthrough to the students and people of Himachal Pradesh."
Hon'ble Chief Minister of the Government of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is scheduled to deliver Valedictory address in the event on July 5, 2023. His presence underscores the government's commitment to embracing innovation and driving the progress of drone technology in the state.
The HIMACHAL DRONE CONCLAVE 2023 has brought together industry experts, policymakers, and enthusiasts to shape the future of drone technology in India. The event serves as a catalyst for the adoption and utilization of drones across diverse sectors. With their potential to revolutionize agriculture, disaster management, infrastructure monitoring, and more, drones pave the way for a technologically advanced Himachal Pradesh.
On the final day of the conclave, an important session will discuss the critical role of drones in delivering medical supplies, facilitating logistics, and their applications in infrastructure management and developmental projects. The session will highlight the ability of drones to provide timely healthcare services, enable quick emergency responses, facilitate transportation of time-sensitive goods, and contribute to environmental sustainability, especially in remote and hilly regions.
