Drone ops face major restrictions in north-west India
The digital sky platform demarcated large swaths of northwestern India as a ‘red zone’
India has restricted civilian drone operations without prior permission from the central government in nine states and union territories across northwestern India.
This move, according to industry insiders, has been undertaken as a precautionary measure amid the ongoing tensions with Pakistan.
Accordingly, the digital sky platform demarcated large swaths of northwestern India as a ‘red zone.’
The platform is a single-window system for drone-flying permissions. It shows an interactive airspace map with green, yellow, and red zones.
Technically, no permission is required for operating drones in green zones.
This zone implies a temporary ban on civilian drone operations from May 14 to June 13, 2025 whereby drone operations shall require prior permission.
As per industry insiders, the latest move was necessitated after an increase in the use of drones was observed in the recently ceased hostilities.
“We believe this has been done to avoid panic and confusion due to widespread disinformation campaigns of Pakistan drone attacks,” Drone Federation of India President Smih Shah told businessline.
“This will require every person flying a compliant drone to take permissions from the relevant authorities and hence notify them of all legitimate drone operations.”
According to Shah, the latest development is going to affect normal business operations across the entire northwestern region of India.
“We are tracking the situation closely and hope this will be resolved immediately.”
At present, drones are increasingly being used for providing several services.
These services range from delivery of medicines to project monitoring, spraying of crops, and photography, among others.
There are over 32,877 registered drone users in the country. India has emerged as a vibrant drone operations and manufacturing hub.
More Like This
Published on May 15, 2025
