In an initiative designed to bolster both crowd control and gender parity in policing, the West District of Delhi Police has trained a contingent of women officers to conduct aerial surveillance over major market areas
The Delhi Police has launched a novel initiative, “Netra–Netrutva–Naari” (Vision–Leadership–Women), by training a specialised team of women police personnel to operate surveillance drones. The programme has seen women constables—quickly nicknamed the “Drone Didis”—deployed to oversee busy commercial hubs during the peak festive season.
These ‘Drone Didis’ are now a visible and high-tech fixture above congested markets in areas including Tilak Nagar, Rajouri Garden, Moti Nagar, and Kirti Nagar. Their primary mission is to monitor crowds, detect suspicious activity, and manage traffic flow from a unique aerial vantage point.
Enhancing Efficiency & Gender Leadership
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West), Darade Sharad Bhaskar, highlighted that the programme serves a dual purpose: enhancing policing efficiency and promoting the role of women in technology-driven security.
“The initiative not only enhanced policing efficiency but also reflected the increasing leadership of women in technology-driven security roles,” said DCP Bhaskar.
Equipped with the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the women officers transmit real-time visuals directly to the district control room, enabling rapid response to any emerging incidents. The drones are specifically tasked with crowd management, traffic monitoring, and the early detection of unusual movements or potential congestion points.
Any footage flagging suspicious behaviour or system strain is instantly shared with field units, allowing for swift, targeted action.
This deployment marks a significant evolution in metropolitan policing, leveraging accessible drone technology for widespread surveillance while strategically placing women officers at the forefront of this technological shift.
