Drone ban for a month in Hyderabad after threat of attacks

HYDERABAD: If you fly a drone in Hyderabad in the next month without taking permission from the police, you could end up in trouble. Hyderabad Police has announced the city a no-fly zone for drones or any other kind of remote-controlled flying devices from April 8 to May 7.

"No flying activities of Remotely Controlled Drones or Para-Gliders or Remotely Controlled Micro-Light Aircraft be allowed in the Jurisdiction of Hyderabad City Police Commissionerate limits without prior Police permission in writing," read a notification from Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar, news agency ANI reported.

"Inputs have been received by intelligence agencies about the possibility of attacks by Terrorist/Antisocial elements by the use of para-gliders, remote controlled drones, remote controlled micro-light aircraft, etc., and there is every likelihood of breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity and also there is grave danger to human life, health, safety and damage to public property on that account," it added.

Any individuals or organisations that wish to use such devices will have to get in touch with their local police station, from whom they will need formal clearance. This would apply to all drones, and any other device categorised as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Unmanned Aerial Survey (UAS), irrespective of purpose.

The Police also said those found violating this order would be punished under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, aimed at addressing disobedience of official orders.