Ahmedabad: A pilot project to detect mosquito breeding sites and spray insecticide using drones to prevent mosquito infestations was launched today in Ahmedabad District. The Ahmedabad Zilla Panchayat is the first in Central Gujarat to initiate this unique program, leveraging artificial intelligence and drone technology.

The project was inaugurated at Changodar Gram Panchayat in the presence of District Panchayat President Mrs. Kanchanba Vaghela and District Chief Health Officer Mr. Shailesh Parmar. Under this initiative, drones will operate in Changodar’s rural and industrial areas, as well as the Sanand industrial zone, to target mosquito breeding sites.

Drones will access remote and high-altitude areas beyond human reach to eliminate mosquitoes. They will locate mosquito breeding sites, such as open water tanks, tires, and rooftop water puddles, and spray insecticides accordingly. Equipped with AI technology, drones will automatically identify mosquito hotspots, continuously updating data on these locations and mosquito eradication activities. Property and factory owners will receive immediate reports on mosquito sources on their premises.

The drone’s operational radius is set at 25 km, and it can carry up to 10 liters of insecticide per flight. Using high-resolution imaging, it will identify waterlogged areas, mark breeding sites, and record their coordinates.

The Ahmedabad Zilla Panchayat Health Branch team will accompany the drone team to monitor remote and inaccessible areas, further strengthening efforts to prevent vector-borne epidemics. The launch event was attended by Taluka Panchayat President Mrs. Vasantaba, District Health Officer, Executive Committee Chairman Mr. Pramodbhai, Health Committee Chairman Mr. Govindbhai Makwana, and a large number of villagers.