Ayodhya/Muzaffarnagar/Mathura/Meerut/Bijnor,

05 Aug (HS): Following

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's instruction to enhance drone regulatory

enforcement throughout Uttar Pradesh, districts like as Ayodhya, Muzaffarnagar,

Mathura, Meerut, and Bijnor have banned unlicensed drone activities. Officials

said the move is intended to prevent drone abuse and reduce increasing public

anxiety generated by widespread rumors and misleading footage.

In Ayodhya, while drone restrictions were previously restricted to the temple

town area surrounding the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, a blanket ban on drone

operations is now in effect throughout the region.

Nikhil Tikaram Funde, the Ayodhya District Magistrate, imposed a prohibition

under BNSS Section 163. Suspicious drone activity has been reported, which

might potentially facilitate criminal actions or cause panic, according to DM,

who also stated that only police and approved security services will be immune

from the ban. Private people and organizations must acquire prior written

authorization to fly drones.

The decision in Ayodhya comes after Chief Minister Adityanath conducted a

high-level video conference, during which he directed district judges and

police officers to rigorously monitor drone activity in light of 17 FIRs and 29

arrests due to drone-related rumors. The chief minister cautioned that unlawful

drone use might result in proceedings under the Gangsters Act and, if required,

the National Security Act (NSA).

Any attempt to propagate fear or disinformation via drones will not be

permitted. According to the CM, police should expand foot patrols, form village

security committees, and seize unauthorized drones, while also ensuring that

technology is not exploited. Similar action has been taken in Muzaffarnagar,

where drone activities must be pre-approved by the District Magistrate.

The district

prohibits drone flight without authorization. Mishra stated that individuals

disseminating false rumors will face severe consequences, including the

Gangsters Act provisions. He further stated that at least 20 persons have been

detained from various police stations, and security has been enhanced in 177

important communities. Shlok Kumar, Senior Superintendent of Police in Mathura,

issued a public plea, requesting locals to notify local police stations before

flying drones.

People should avoid believing or spreading rumors and should not share

unconfirmed videos or postings on social media. Anyone found guilty would face

consequences, Kumar said, adding that while no drone-related incidents have

happened in Mathura so far, care is advised. In Bijnor, District Magistrate

Jasjit Kaur confirmed a ban on unauthorized drone flights in response to

growing rumors and public concern. She

said that prior approval is now necessary for drone use at weddings and other

occasions.

According to SP Abhishek

Jha, events involving miniature helicopters mistaken for drones caused

unwarranted fear, and two persons have been charged under BNSS Section 170 for

flying such aircraft at night. Night

patrols have been increased, and all drone owners are required to verify and

register. Kalanidhi Naithani, the DIG of Police in Meerut Range, has reiterated

the execution of India's Drone Policy and the Uttar Pradesh Drone Surveillance

and Security Policy 2023. Drone activities are governed by clear laws, and

those who spread falsehoods will face severe consequences, he stated.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi