Pune – In a bid to enhance public safety, the Pune district collector’s office has mandated that all commercial drone operations must obtain prior police permission. The directive, issued in response to concerns over potential security threats, aims to prevent unauthorized drone activities near sensitive locations such as religious sites, government buildings, and dams.
The new regulation applies to drone operations for events, commercial activities, and filming. Any violation will now be considered illegal. The order comes amid rising reports of unauthorized drone flights, particularly at night, in areas like Daund, Baramati, and Shirur. Local residents have raised alarms over such incidents, prompting authorities to tighten regulations.
Under the new guidelines, individuals, event organizers, and film crews must submit an application detailing the purpose of their drone flights. Permission must be secured at least seven days in advance. The Pune rural police will oversee approvals in rural areas, while the city commissionerate’s special branch (SB) will handle requests within Pune city limits.
District Collector Jitendra Dudy emphasized the importance of strict adherence to these regulations. “Following standard operating guidelines, securing police clearance is essential to ensure safety, especially given the presence of central institutions and other sensitive locations in the district,” he stated.
Authorities have also flagged concerns over sand smugglers allegedly using drones to track law enforcement movements. To counter such illicit activities, Pune’s rural police have invested in anti-drone technology, including anti-drone guns. A special task force, led by the superintendent of police, has been formed to monitor and control drone activity. Officers have undergone specialized training in drone surveillance.
Recent security incidents underscore the need for these measures. In September 2023, three tourists from Hyderabad were arrested for flying a drone near a restricted Air Force Station zone in Lonavla. Similarly, in 2021, a case was registered against a young man for operating a drone near the Indian Naval Station (INS) Shivaji in Lonavla.
With growing concerns over the misuse of drones, authorities urge compliance with the new regulations to maintain security and prevent potential threats.