SHIMLA: The recent drone GIS mapping operations in Shimla, authorized by the District Magistrate's office, have sparked considerable debate and confusion, particularly after Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur raised concerns in the Vidhan Sabha. The geo mapping is being done around the world and LOP raising the issue has  surprised the residents. 

Replying to the allegations leveled by Jairam Thakur HP CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the BJP just wanted to create sensation by making wild charges of surveillance and stealing intelligence. We provide security not jasusi.

Even then if he feels it so, we will investigate even if it is done by any central agency, Sukhu said  

As a matter of fact, on August 3, 2024, the District Magistrate's office issued a notification permitting Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited (SJPNL) to conduct drone-based GIS mapping of all properties within the Shimla Municipal Corporation limits.

This operation was slated to run from August 5 to September 5, 2024, and involved pilots Neeraj and Thirukkumaran Rajesh from Delhi and Tamil Nadu.

However, this wasn't the first instance of such surveillance. A similar notification had been issued earlier, granting SJPNL permission for drone mapping from May 25 to June 25, 2024. Even surveillance was also done by the previous government as well. 

These repeated permissions have caused confusion among the public and fueled concerns among political figures.

Jai Ram Thakur accused the government of using these drones to monitor him.  But  his remark has surprised  the ruling Congress government as the geomapping has been done earlier as well. 

This accusation caused a ruckus in the Vidhan Sabha, with other MLAs joining in the uproar.

Despite these concerns, the authorities maintain that the drones are solely for property mapping purposes under SJPNL's surveillance project.

The controversy highlights the need for better communication from the District Magistrate's office to clarify the intent and scope of such operations given surcharged  political atmosphere in the state.