Hyderabad Police has banned the use of remote-controlled drones after concerns were raised by intelligence agencies about their potential use by terror outfits. The ban imposed is applicable within the jurisdiction of the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate, which encompasses information technology hubs such as HITEC City and Gachibowli. The need for event organisers, organisations and individuals to obtain prior permission for using drones has also been introduced as orders to this effect were passed by Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand.
“No non-government agency, organization or individual will be allowed to launch Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)/ Unmanned Aerial Survey (UAS) in the Indian civil airspace in commissionerate limits without prior written permission,” said Anand.
Under the order, government organisations have also been advised to secure necessary approvals from both local police as well as aviation authorities before using UAV/UAS.
Drones have been quite popular with event organisers who are usually asked by clients for an aerial view of their event venue. “Inputs have been received by intelligence agencies about the possibility of attacks by terrorists/anti-social elements through para-gliders, remote-controlled drones, micro-light planes, remote-controlled planes etc and there is every likelihood of breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquility and there is grave danger to human life, health, safety and damage to public property on that account,” said the order.
“There is a need to keep a check and regulate activities of terrorists/anti-social elements to prevent the attack through drones controlled by remote or through control aerial missile or using para-gliders or through remote controlled micro-light aircraft.” Those found in contravention of the order shall be booked under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
