Punjab Deploys Baaj Akh Anti-Drone System

In an important move against the entry of drugs and weapons into India via Pakistan, the state of Punjab has deployed the Baaj Akh Anti-Drone System (ADS) on its international border; it is also the first state in India to do so. This is one of the efforts in the state in the escalated war against drugs where the traffic of illegal drugs and weapons by drones poses a risk to the state.

Key Points:

Background:

• The 553 km border between Punjab and Pakistan is a hot zone with drug and weapon peddlers resorting to use of drones. In 2024, 283 drones were seized and they carried heroin and weapons.

System of Baaj Akh:

• The Baaj Akh system ( Hawk Eye ) recognizes the drones and their control sites automatically alerting the authorities without being monitored manually. It supplements the Border Security Force (BSF), and it is a second line of defense.

Strategic Deployment:

• High-risk border points have three ADS units installed at an investment of Rs 51.4 crore and six more units are to be installed along the entire border.

Anti-Drug Campaign:

• Special drug awareness syllabus is taught to 8 lakh of students in more than 3,600 government schools as a part of the War Against Drugs campaign.

Government Actions:

• The government of Punjab has taken a zero tolerance in drug smuggling policy by arresting drug lords and destroying sites purchased using drug money.

Liaison Among the Security Agencies:

• To deal with the drone threats, the police, BSF, Army, and Air Force are cooperating to eliminate the drone threat successfully.

Conclusion:

The use of Baaj Akh Anti-Drone System by Punjab has increased security along the border and paired with efforts in enforcing the War Against Drugs, demonstrates an active method of addressing security and health concerns.