Kullu, April 23: The 1 HP Air Squadron of the NCC in Kullu has launched an innovative drone training course in partnership with IIT-Mandi and NIT-Hamirpur.
The program, which began yesterday, is designed to bolster the technological capabilities within the NCC and will run until May 4, with 20 trainees currently enrolled.
Wing Commander Kunal Sharma, Commanding Officer of 1 HP Air Squadron NCC, outlined the strategic goals of the initiative.
“The course includes participation from Aero Modelling Instructors, Ship Modelling Instructors, Girl Cadet Instructors, and PI Staff from eight different groups of the Directorate,” Sharma explained.
“We’re adopting a cascading model — training instructors first, who will then train cadets within their respective groups, ensuring standardized, widespread training across the NCC.”
The collaboration with IIT Mandi and NIT Hamirpur adds significant technical value to the program.
Participants will gain hands-on experience in drone assembly, operation, and maintenance, with a focus on both civil and defense applications.
“The technical expertise from IIT Mandi’s dedicated drone lab and NIT Hamirpur’s engineering faculty is invaluable,” Sharma said.
The program’s impact is reaching beyond the NCC, with organizations like ABVIMAS Manali, Himachal Pradesh Police, HPPWD, Fire Services, and DDMA expressing interest. “Many of these organizations own drones but lack trained personnel.
The final three days of the course will focus on addressing this gap, with sessions held at the DC conference hall in Kullu and practical flying at Dhalpur ground,” he added.
The relevance of drones in Himachal Pradesh’s challenging terrain, often affected by flash floods, snow, and roadblocks, was also underlined.
“Drones can be used for geotechnical surveying, allowing rapid 3D mapping of affected areas. They are also highly effective for monitoring traffic and regulating movement,” Sharma noted.
He further stressed drones’ importance in disaster response, particularly in locating stranded individuals after floods or landslides.
“Drones are essential for accessing remote regions and assisting in search and rescue operations,” he said.
The program also offers benefits in aerial photography, videography, and infrastructure monitoring, marking a significant step toward integrating drone technology into both everyday operations and emergency responses in the region.
