Government’s clear policy on drones: Drones are not allowed to fly within 25 km of the international border including LoC and LAC, separate rules for security activities

The Civil Aviation Ministry said that no Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) will be allowed to fly within 25 km from the International Border. This includes Line of Control (LoC), Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL). Minister of State for Civil Aviation VK Singh told in the Lok Sabha that the UAS rules were notified on March 12, 2021.

The ministry said that many aspects regarding the use of drones have been covered in these rules. This includes drone registration, ownership, transport, import, traffic management, fee payment and penalties. All civilian drone activities are regulated by these rules.

UAS rule does not apply to defense related work
The government was asked whether there are separate rules for professional videography and use of drones for defense purposes. The ministry clarified that the UAS rules apply to the use of UAVs for civilian purposes, including professional videography. This rule does not apply to the use of UAVs for defense related work.

Approval required for use of drones in restricted areas
The government was asked whether it is more strict on the use of drones in border areas like Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. On this, the ministry said that according to 37 (3) of the UAS rule, the use of drones in restricted areas is allowed only in exceptional circumstances after the approval of the central government.

SOP issued in view of the danger of drones
To counter the threat of drones, the Ministry of Home Affairs had issued the necessary Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on May 10, 2019, the ministry said. The Center has prepared it in consultation with the state governments and security agencies.

License required to fly drones weighing more than 250 grams
According to the UAS Rules 2021, license and training is necessary to fly drones weighing more than 250 grams. Flying a drone without it will have to pay a fine of up to Rs 25,000. For remote pilot license, at least 18 years of age, education up to 10th standard, medically fit as well as government examination have to be passed.

Weapons dropped by drones in Kashmir’s Samba
Weapons have been recovered near the border in Rajpura sector of Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is suspected that they were shot down by a drone. Jammu Zone Police said that army and police personnel were conducting a search operation in Sarthian village of Rajpura. During this, 2 pistols, 5 magazines, 122 rounds of bullets and a silencer were found wrapped in the packet.