Kathua, Jammu, September 8, 2025 : In a pioneering relief effort, heavy-load drones were deployed for the first time to deliver ration and essential supplies to residents of Chilla village in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir. The special operation was conducted jointly by the Kathua district administration and the Indian Army to reach isolated families cut off due to recent torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides.
Operation Details
Chilla village, located along the banks of the river Ujh, consists of over 15 families that remained stranded after heavy rainfall and flash floods washed away all approach roads. Conventional relief efforts were hindered by the severely damaged terrain, prompting the innovative use of drone technology.
Heavy-load drones were pressed into service, conducting multiple sorties to deliver critical supplies including:
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Dry rations
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Cooking oil
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Essential commodities for daily use
Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, emphasized the importance of the operation, stating:
“This operation reflects our resolve to ensure that no affected family remains unattended amid this crisis.”
Wider Relief Efforts
In addition to drone-supported deliveries, the district administration has been actively working on multiple fronts to provide relief to flood- and landslide-affected areas:
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Setting up special relief camps
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Supplying drinking water and medical aid
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Restoring essential services with urgency
The Indian Army’s proactive involvement played a key role in the success of the operation, with the Deputy Commissioner acknowledging their cooperation and highlighting the plan to conduct more such joint interventions in other inaccessible regions, should the need arise.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support
The Kathua administration continues to closely monitor the relief and rescue operations to ensure systematic and timely support to every affected household. These efforts reflect a coordinated response combining technology and manpower to address the immediate humanitarian needs of vulnerable communities during the unprecedented flood crisis.
This innovative use of heavy-load drones marks a significant step forward in disaster relief operations, showcasing the potential of advanced technology in overcoming logistical challenges posed by natural calamities.
