The Punjab government has extended the ban on flying drones in open areas in the province for another 30 days. The government has taken this decision under Section 144 due to security concerns.
According to the Punjab Home Department, the ban will remain applicable to outdoor drone operations throughout the province. The district administration and police have been directed to strictly implement the order.
However, the government has allowed the use of drones in limited circumstances. Small drones can be used during events in halls and marquees. The event organizers will be responsible for safe and legal use.
Intelligence and law enforcement agencies will be exempted from the ban. The concerned agencies will be able to use drones for official and operational needs.
Permission will also be available for agricultural, irrigation and research activities. Applicants will have to obtain written permission from the district-level Safe Drone Usage Committee. After the committee’s approval, the relevant drone operation will be exempted from the ban.
The recent decision is significant in the context of the growing use of drone technology. Drones provide practical benefits in agriculture, land surveying, irrigation and research. The government has allowed limited legal use by maintaining the permit system for these sectors.
This is not the first time that the ban on drones has been extended in Punjab. The government has extended the ban at various times this year in view of the security situation. The latest order is also a link in the same chain.
According to officials, the main objective of the current ban is to protect public safety, law and order and property. In the current situation, the potential security risks arising from unauthorised drone flights cannot be ignored.
General users and drone operators should avoid flying in open areas without permission during the new period. In case of violation, the district administration and police can take action as per the law.
