"Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, has declared that unlawful drone operators will face charges under the Gangster Act."
In a bold move to ensure national and public security, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has imposed a complete ban on operating drones without official permission. This decision comes in response to the increasing incidents of illegal drone use across the state and other regions, causing panic and concern among the public [1][3][4].
The ban, which applies to all unauthorized drone operations, carries harsh penalties under the Gangster Act and the National Security Act (NSA) for anyone misusing drones to spread terror or disturb public order. The state government is also intensifying drone monitoring and surveillance, directing officials to review drone activity in every district and implement a robust drone monitoring system to prevent misuse and ensure security [1][3][4].
For instance, in Ayodhya district, a drone ban has been enforced with exceptions only for police and authorized security agencies, requiring prior written permission for lawful drone operations [2]. Authorities have also deployed anti-drone systems at high-security sites like the Ram Temple to enhance detection and response capabilities [2].
Yogi Adityanath has made it clear that there will be zero tolerance for spreading rumours or creating fear through drone technology. He has instructed heightened vigilance and regular patrolling in sensitive areas to maintain public order and trust [1][3]. Routine patrolling will be conducted in the districts to ensure security and prevent illegal drone use, and a sense of security among people will be instilled [1][3].
Notably, drone activities have been reported in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, causing panic. In Mumbai, panic gripped Bandar Pakhadi of Kandivali due to a drone sighting, despite a city-wide ban on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) [5]. In another incident, two individuals were arrested in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, for using pigeons with green lights to mimic a drone, causing panic [6].
The Border Security Force (BSF) will conduct a thorough study of the Chinese drone found along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura [7]. Yogi Adityanath has also directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and Director General of Police to review illegal drone activities in all districts [8].
Strict action will be taken against those accused of illegal drone use, and those spreading rumours with illegal drones will not be tolerated [1][3]. The government continues exploring technological upgrades to increase drone detection and response, ensuring compliance with legal and safety guidelines [1].
In the political arena, the BJP's Amit Malviya criticized RJD Leader Tejashwi Yadav over 'Multiple' EPICs and called the opposition an 'alliance of opportunists' [9]. This development, while not directly related to the drone issue, highlights the ongoing political discourse in India.
In summary, Uttar Pradesh has instituted a strict regulatory and enforcement framework involving a full ban on unauthorized drones, harsh penalties under the Gangster and NSA Acts, and the establishment of a comprehensive drone monitoring system to address national and public security threats posed by illegal drone use [1][2][3][4]. This decisive action is a testament to the state government's commitment to maintaining peace, security, and trust among its citizens.
References: 1. The Hindu 2. NDTV 3. India Today 4. Business Standard 5. The Times of India 6. Hindustan Times 7. ANI 8. Business Standard 9. India Today
- The ban on unauthorized drone operations in Uttar Pradesh, with penalties under the Gangster Act and National Security Act (NSA), is a response to recent incidents of illegal drone use causing concern among the public.
- In addition to the ban, the state government is intensifying drone monitoring and surveillance, directing officials to review drone activity in every district and implement a robust drone monitoring system.
- Not just Uttar Pradesh, drone activities have been reported in states like Uttarakhand, Mumbai, and Tripura, causing panic in various regions of the country.
- In the political arena, the ongoing discourse involves the BJP's Amit Malviya criticizing RJD Leader Tejashwi Yadav, highlighting the complexities and dynamics of politics in India.