Punjab Bans Drones

The Punjab Home Department has recently imposed a 30-day ban on outdoor drone flights throughout the province, as declared under Section 144, due to growing security concerns. The restriction applies to the utilization of drones in open spaces across Punjab. Nevertheless, limited use of compact drones will be permitted at indoor events conducted in wedding halls and marquees.

The responsibility for maintaining safe drone usage during these indoor events will fall on the event organizers, according to a spokesperson from the department. Intelligence agencies and law enforcement entities have been granted exemptions from the ban. To facilitate approved drone operations, the Punjab Home Department has established a Safe Drone Usage Committee, which will issue written permissions in specific instances.

Drones may be utilized for research purposes, provided prior written approval is obtained from the committee. Any other authorized usage will also require authorization from the Safe Drone Usage Committee and will remain exempt from the ban, provided the approved conditions are met. The department stated that the restrictions have been implemented as a security measure and will remain in effect for a period of 30 days under Section 144.