Hyderabad police bans drones over 'anti-social' fears

Hyderabad City Police Commissioner P Mahender Reddy has issued prohibitory orders on all sorts of remotely controlled aerial activities within the jurisdiction of the City Police Commissionerate.

Police feared that in the absence of any restrictions,  the terrorist/antisocial elements may organise attacks through paragliders, remotely controlled drones, remotely controlled micro- light aircraft, etc.

The police also noticed a spurt in the use of remotely controlled drones for getting an aerial view for live telecasts and photography for various purposes by event organisers. The decision has been taken because of the sensitive nature of these activities, the commissioner said.
 

"Inputs have been received by intelligence agencies about possible attacks by terrorist/anti-social elements by the use of para-gliders, remotely controlled drones or remotely controlled  micro-aircraft, etc. and there is every likelihood of breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquility and also, there is a grave danger to human life, health, safety and damage to the public property  on that count," the commissioner said while issuing the prohibitory orders.

He further said it is necessary that reasonable checks are imposed on activities of such anti-social elements in the limits of  Hyderabad City Police Commissionerate to prevent the attack through remote controlled drone or para-gliders or micro-light aircraft.

"No flying activities of remotely controlled drones or paragliders or remotely controlled  microlight aircraft in the jurisdiction of Hyderabad city police commissionerate limits will be allowed without prior police permission in writing," the commissioner said.

From now onwards no non-governmental agencies, organisations or individuals will be allowed to launch Unmanned  Aerial Vehicles(UAV)  Unmanned Aerial Survey (UAS), etc. Government agencies and organisations have to obtain appropriate clearance from local police and aviation authorities before launching any UAS/ UAV for any purpose.
 

• Hyderabad
• Drones