ideaForge Drones Power Maharashtra’s Landmark Fisheries Surveillance Project

ideaForge Technology, a global leader in drone innovation, has joined forces with Schnell Drone Technologies to spearhead a pioneering project initiated by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra. 

The initiative, aimed at enforcing the Maharashtra Marine Fishing Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2021, marks India’s first large-scale deployment of drone technology for fisheries surveillance.

Covering Maharashtra’s extensive 720-kilometre coastline, the project is operational across seven coastal districts: Palghar, Thane, Mumbai Suburban, Mumbai City, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. 

With an initial duration of eight years, the initiative deploys ideaForge’s state-of-the-art SWITCH UAVs to monitor fishing activities, ensure compliance with regulations, and safeguard marine ecosystems. The drones enable real-time tracking of fishing vessels and detection of illegal activities, setting a benchmark in the application of drone technology for fisheries management.

Leading the Way in Technological Innovation

Vishal Saxena, Vice President of Business Development at ideaForge Technology, highlighted the transformative impact of the initiative. “This groundbreaking project underscores the potential of indigenous drone technology in tackling challenges in fisheries management. By enabling sustainable practices and fostering accountability, we are proud to support Maharashtra’s visionary approach to marine resource protection. As the scope expands to coastline mapping, our advanced UAVs will play a pivotal role in enhancing surveillance capabilities.”

Strengthening Maritime Law Enforcement

Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane emphasised the efficiency of drones in enforcing regulations under the Maharashtra Marine Fishing Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2021. “Patrol vessels often face challenges in intercepting unauthorized boats, but drones address this by enabling swift, efficient monitoring and providing real-time evidence. This initiative will not only safeguard the traditional fishing community’s interests but also curb illegal fishing by migrant operators. By coordinating with the Marine Police Department, the drones will also bolster coastal security across the state.”

Driving Sustainable Fisheries Management

The project is a significant step towards India’s vision of leveraging technology for sustainable fisheries management. It aligns with the Union government’s mission to create 100 climate-resilient coastal fishermen villages, highlighting the role of technology in building resilient communities. Drones are increasingly being used for managing aquaculture farms, infrastructure assessments, and disaster response efforts, demonstrating their versatility in addressing critical marine challenges.

Revolutionising India’s Drone Ecosystem

ideaForge, a pioneer in India’s unmanned aircraft systems industry, is known for its precision-engineered drones tailored for mission-critical applications. Recognised globally as a top-tier drone manufacturer, the company continues to lead innovation in security, mapping, and surveillance solutions.