Government plans to get foliage penetration radar for Naxal areas

NEW DELHI: The Centre plans to procure advanced aerial surveillance equipment, including foliage penetration radar, to monitor the activities of Naxals who operate in thick forests in Chhattisgarh and other areas, in the wake of the killing of 25 CRPF men.

The foliage penetration radar is the need of the hour and the government was looking for its procurement as early as possible, a senior Home Ministry official said.

The move comes following the killing of 25 CRPF personnel in a dense forest in Sukma district in Chhattisgarh by Naxals on Monday.

Security forces often face difficulties in gathering intelligence through unmanned aerial vehicles which could not penetrate upto ground level in forest area where the Maoists operate.

However, a foliage penetration radar could get ground movements of the Naxals as the machine can click pictures even through densely forested areas.

The official said only a few companies produce foliage penetration radars globally and hence a move has to be initiated to scout for such manufacturers as early as possible.