Drone to check open defecation

In a bid to prevent people from defecating in open, administration in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district has decided to use drones, a first in the state.

According to officials in Kanpur, drones would be used to identify those defecating in the open in the district, especially in the rural areas.

Senior district officials also conducted a trial of the drone at a village near the Kanpur town. Sources said that the trial was successful.

“Many people were seen defecating in open fields,” said a senior district official.
He said that the offenders were let off with a warning.

According to the officials, the first-time offenders would be let off after some warning.
“If someone commits the act the second time then the village pradhan (panchayat chief) will impose fines on them,” the official said.

He said strict action would be taken against those committing the act for the third time.
“'The objective is to prevent people from defecating in the open,” he added.

Sources said Kanpur was the first district in the state to use drone for the purpose. “It may be implemented in other parts of the state if it succeeded in curbing the menace here,” the official said.

Earlier also in some districts, officials had adopted novel measures to check open defecation.

In some districts, the officials warned that those found defecating in the open would be publicly shammed.

Open defecation continues to be a big problem in the state and despite efforts by the government and voluntary organisations. A large number of people, including women, especially in the rural areas, still follow the age-old practice.