Odisha drone flyers must seek police permission
This apart, around 500 drones are being used by private players in the state.
Bhubaneswar: People planning to use drones for wedding ceremonies or any other event in Odisha will now have to take permission from the police prior the occasions, else they will attract legal action.
After the Union civil aviation ministry introduced new regulations for use of drones with effective from December 1, the Odisha police has obtained information regarding use of drones by private players in the state.
This, the police believes, will avoid confusion between the security personnel using drones in Maoist-hit and other troubled areas for surveillance activities and private players deploying the device for recording various events.
As per reports, the Odisha police has procured two drones for surveillance in Swabhiman Anchal (cut off areas) of the Maoist-hit Malkangiri district as part of its anti-Maoist strategies.
This apart, around 500 drones are being used by private players in the state. For flying Nano drone, the user will now have to take permission from the local police. Besides, he/she will have to give a statement in writing at the local police station assuring that the drone will not invade the privacy of any person. Flying of drones by private players without permission of local police will be considered as illegal and action will be taken against the owner of the drone, sources said.
On December 1, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched a new Digital Sky Platform on its official website for granting permission for civil use of drones.
According to the DGCA rules, drones have been divided into 5 categories based on their weight. The five categories include Nano Drone (weighing less than or equal to 250 grams), Micro Drone (heavier than 250 grams and less than or equal to 2 kg), Small Drone (weighing more than 2 kg and up to 25 kg), Medium Drone (weighing greater than 25 kg and less than or equal to 150 kg) and Large Drones (greater than 150 kg).