In a major step to control the misuse of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) titled ‘drone’ cameras in the country, Union Home Ministry is gearing up to frame stringent rules and regulations. The Ministry would soon formulate a set of regulations along with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to curb the rampant misuse of such aerial cameras reported from many parts of the country, sources said. “The restrictions would also include the issuance of licence and control in the sales of the same online and offline”, state ADGP (Administration) Mr. Loknath Behera told. Civilian drones are small UAVs usually fitted with cameras that are used for surveillance, public functions, wedding ceremonies and film shooting. Mostly, drones are less than two metres long and one metre in width and weigh less than two kg. These remote-controlled drones fly at an average speed of around 40 kmph. Though the Union Government had imposed some restrictions on the use of civilian drones in October last year, it seems that the use and sales of drones are rampant and increased like never before. Earlier, DGCA has allowed only a limited bandwidth of radio frequency to fly small UAVs in the Indian aerospace. In the public notice issued by DGCA, it was also stated that no one could fly drones in Indian airspace till further notice as it pose serious security concerns. According to the top sources from the state police, the restrictions on such cameras are the need of the hour and it would be implemented by the Union Government very soon. “As far as state police are concerned, we are very particular about this matter. However, the Union Home Ministry is all set to frame strict rules and regulations against the overuse of such unmanned aerial vehicles. As the restrictions would be made across the nation, we would also implement the rules by giving strict directions to the respective police units in the state”, said Mr. Loknath Behera. He further pointed out that there should be a licensing system. “It is learnt that the restrictions would also include the height and boundary limit parameters. Nowadays, everyone is using it for personal use and controlling it beyond a specific boundary limit or height. It is a serious fault on our security and safety. Though no such instances of security issues have erupted in the state, the misuse of the same is not too far. It is also nothing but an intrusion to one’s privacy,” Mr. Behera added. Meanwhile, the event management companies in the state are raising apprehensions about the restrictions. “The regulations would further hamper the growing aerial cam industry. In our state where weddings and public functions are being done in a grand manner, these drones are becoming an essential ingredient for adding more fervor to it,” said Mr. Rahul Nair, a city-based event manager.
Drones to stay off Indian Skies for Now
In the public notice issued by DGCA, it was stated that no one could fly drones in Indian airspace till further notice as it pose serious security concerns. Sources in the state police said the restrictions on such cameras are the need of the hour and it would be implemented by the Union Government soon.
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