Hyderabad Police Bans Use of Drones Without Permission

In view of the intelligence alerts about the possible use of remote-controlled drones for terror attacks, police has banned their use in Cyberabad police commissionerate limits by any agency or individual without prior permission.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner C. V. Anand on Tuesday issued orders, making it compulsory for event organisers, organisations and individuals to obtain prior police permission in writing for any flying activity.

"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," he said.

The government agencies and organizations should also obtain appropriate clearance from local police and aviation authorities before launching any UAV/UAS for any purpose.

Organisers of musical concerts, film functions, and other events are using remote controlled drones for getting aerial views for live telecast and photography.

"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 tranquillity 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," it added.

Anand said any person contravening the order shall be punishable under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

Information technology hubs of HITEC City and Gachibowli and areas surrounding Hyderabad fall under Cyberabad police commissionerate.