Drones prohibited in Hyderabad due to fear of terror attacks

Inputs have been received by intelligence agencies about the possibility of attacks by terrorist/antisocial elements by the use of para-gliders, drones & light aircraft.

Hyderabad: In view of threat to terror attacks in Hyderabad, the police have issued an order to prohibit drone cameras in the in jurisdiction of Hyderabad City Police Commissionerate without prior police permission."

It has been brought to my notice that the Terrorist/ Antisocial elements may organize attacks through Para Gliders, Remote Controlled Drones, Remote Controlled Micro Light Aircraft etc., and that there is an increasing trend by event`s organizers to use remote controlled drones for getting aerial views for live telecasts and photography of various events," Commissioner of Police, M.Mahendar Reddy said in a press release."

Inputs have been received by Intelligence agencies about the possibility of attacks by Terrorist/Antisocial elements by the use of Para-gliders, Remote Controlled Drones, Remote Controlled Micro-Light Aircraft, etc., and there is every likelihood of breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquility and also there is grave danger to human life, health, safety and damage to public property on that account," he added.

Reddy further said that it is necessary that reasonable checks are imposed on activities of such antisocial elements in the limits of Hyderabad City Police Commissionerate to prevent the attack through Remote Controlled Drones or through Para-Gliders or through Remotely Controlled Micro-Light Aircraft.

"I do hereby order that no flying activities of Remotely Controlled Drones or Para-Gliders or Remotely Controlled Micro-Light Aircraft be allowed in the Jurisdiction of Hyderabad City Police Commissionerate limits without prior Police permission in writing," he added.

"No non-government agency, organization or individual will be allowed to launch Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Survey (UAS) etc. Government agencies and organizations should obtain appropriate clearance from local Police and Aviation authorities before launching any UAS/UAV for any purpose," he said.

Reddy also said that any person contravening the order will be punishable under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code adding that the order will remain in force from December 8 to January 7.