LUCKNOW, March 3 -- The Uttar Pradesh government has sanctioned Rs.2.19 crore for purchasing four anti-drone guns equipped with detection systems, senior home department officials confirmed here on Monday, adding that the move aims to strengthen security arrangements for VVIPs visiting or transiting through the state. The officials said the home department released the funds through a government order dated March 1, signed by Annavi Dinesh Kumar, special secretary (Home). Each anti-drone gun with a detection system will cost Rs.54.91 lakh and the procurement will be carried out in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) department. The government has directed the state police and security department to strictly adhere to procurement norms and ensure that the allocated funds are fully utilised by March 31. The decision comes amid rising concerns over the misuse of commercially available drones for surveillance, smuggling, or potential attacks. Small unmanned aerial vehicles can bypass traditional perimeter security and pose a serious threat at public gatherings, political events and high-profile visits. A senior police official explained an anti-drone gun is a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) device designed to detect, track, and neutralise rogue or unauthorised drones....