In a bid to leverage modern technology for urban fire fighting, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Fire and Emergency Services Department has proposed the acquisition of two cutting-edge fire-fighting drones to its active operational line-up. The acquisition aims to enhance the city’s disaster response capabilities, particularly in navigating complex urban terrains and high-rise structures. The matter is presently under discussion as officials explore various option and prices, plus the most important aspect, who is going to operate the drones. Currently, the NMC Fire Department manages an operational fleet of 33 vehicles to protect the city.

 

This existing fleet comprises ten small fire tenders with a 2,000-litre capacity, two medium tenders with a 3,000-litre capacity, 14 heavy-duty fire tenders with a 5,000-litre capacity, and seven high-capacity water bowsers capable of carrying 16,000 litres each. While the administrative proposal is a forward-looking step toward technological integration, senior officials are maintaining a cautious approach regarding procurement. The decision is currently under official review as the administration carefully weighs the operational utility of these aerial devices against their substantial investment. Emphasising the need for a practical evaluation, Fire Officer Ajay Lokhande stated, “A final purchase would only be executed after witnessing a live demonstration of the technology.

 

” Highlighting the department’s cautious strategy, Lokhande noted that it is deeply challenging to identify the exact operational scope of the equipment without comprehensively understanding its practical advantages and limitations. The department is currently navigating certain technical ambiguities regarding how the machinery will be deployed on the ground. Officials are analysing whether the drones are best suited to carry and lift heavy water hose pipes directly to sprinkle water on raging flames, or if their primary value lies in surveillance and accessing hazardous, toxic, or tight spaces where human firefighters cannot reach safely or swiftly. While these operational parameters are being clarified, the fire department remains highly enthusiastic about exploring this high-tech addition to ensure the safety of citizens. The officials are also sifting through media to learn whether any fire fighting force anywhere is utilising water drones. As stated earlier, the moot question is whether the fire brigade would trains its own personnel to handle the drones, or would need external expertise for its field deployment.