DRAFT TO REGULATE DRONES UNVEILED

Amid a growth in drone use in the country, the government has unveiled draft regulations for operating drones for civilian purposes that includes the no-go zones and security registration process. According to the draft Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, are categorised into five based on their weight - from those weighing less than 250 grams to those above 150 kg. The draft regulations say drones weighing over 250 grams would require security clearance and obtain unique identification numbers. Drones above two kg should obtain operators permit as well. Those operating should also have the remote pilot licence. While a decision on approval for drone weighing less than two kg will come within two days, that above two kg would take a maximum of seven days.

Drones cannot operate within 50 kilometres from the International Border and Line of Control with Pakistan, Line of Actual Control with China and Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) in Siachen. One cannot also fly it within five km radius from Vijay Chowk, in Delhi, from where Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan and North and South Blocs are a stone’s throw away and within 500m radius from strategic locations notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs and military installations. Drone launching from mobile platforms such as a moving vehicle, ship or aircraft is not allowed. Prior permission is required to fly drones over eco-sensitive zones around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.