BCCI granted permission to use drones for live television coverage
Drones are portable flying machines, which are remotely controlled. The 2021 Indian Premier League would be the first to use drones by Board of Control for Cricket in India. In India, drones can only be used in a limited capacity or controlled manner.
FollowThe Board of control for Cricket in India has been granted special permission to use drones for live television coverage for India's upcoming cricketing season. Until now, drones could only be used in a limited capacity, while it needs special permission from the Centre to use for commercial purposes.
On Tuesday, The Ministry of Civil Aviation granted permission to BCCI, along with its drone operator Quidich, until the end of 2021. The Indian Premier League 2021 would be the first tournament to see drones' usage for live ariel feed for the broadcaster.
"The drone ecosystem is evolving rapidly in our country. Its utilisation is expanding from agriculture, mining, healthcare and disaster management to sports and entertainment," said Ministry of Civil Aviation's Joint Secretary, Amber Dubey, in a press release.
"The granting of this permission is in line with the objectives of the government of India to promote the commercial use of drones in the country. We are hoping to receive the approvals by March 2021," he added.
ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant wins ICC Men’s Player of the Month award
Although BCCI has been granted clearance from the entre, it would require an extra allowance from the local authority, defence endowments, Indian Air Force and Airport Authority of India to use the drones properly. BCCI has to strictly adhere to the Centre's regulations, as any breach could lead to the permission being revoked.
Meanwhile, only the RPAS models approved by the authorities are to be used by Quidich, while any change of model would require extra permission from Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Also, BCCI is to use appropriately trained officials to operate the drones.
Furthermore, the drones can be used up to 200 feet in broad daylight or a well-illuminated condition, in uncontrolled airspace. Besides, safety norms are also to be followed, while any mishap must be reported with all the details to the DGCA's Air Safety Directorate within 24 hours.
Read full details regarding the usage of drones by BCCI, here.
