Ramesh said the drones would be indigenously sourced and proper training of officials would be carried out to ensure operational efficiency.

"They can stay up in the air from 30 minutes to an hour. For wildlife surveillance missions, we do not need more than 20 to 30 minutes of flight time. Each unit will not cost more than 5 lakh," Ramesh pointed out.

The detailed proposal will be presented to the National Tiger Conservation Authority for funding.

"Difficult terrain where people can't go on foot or by vehicle can become accessible," A.S.P. Yadav, deputy inspector general of the NTCA, told IANS.

Leading conservationist Nitin Desai welcomed the drone plan.

"Any kind of advanced technology for wildlife protection and conservation is welcome," Desai, director (Central India), Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI), told IANS.

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