Uttar Pradesh Drone Safety Policy

• 11 Oct 2025

Why in News? 

In the last four months, multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed and several people arrested in various districts across Uttar Pradesh for flying drones without permission or spreading rumours about "drone gangs." 

Key Points 

• Objective: The policy mandates strict monitoring and regulation of drone use at the district and commissionerate level to ensure safety and control over drone operations within Uttar Pradesh. 
• Drone Monitoring and Registration Register: Each district is required to maintain a dedicated register for tracking the details of all registered drones, operators, and local repair centres. 
• Drone Monitoring Committees: 
  • The District Magistrate (DM) will chair a district-level drone committee. 
  • The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) or Superintendent of Police (SP) and Additional District Magistrate (ADM) will be members of the committee. 
  • Responsibilities: The committee is tasked with overseeing drone operations, ensuring compliance, and addressing any unauthorised use. 
• Red Zones for Restricted Airspace: 
  • Temporary Red Zones: The district-level committee has the authority to declare temporary red zones for restricted airspace when required. 
  • Duration: Red zones will be in effect for up to 96 hours and will be marked on the Digital Sky platform. 
• Local Intelligence and Awareness Campaigns: 
  • Intelligence Network: Local intelligence networks and social media monitoring will be activated to counter rumours related to drones. 
  • Public Awareness: Awareness campaigns using UP-112 and digital platforms will be conducted to educate the public about legitimate drone activity. 
  • Rapid Police Response: Ensure a swift police response to any complaints or concerns regarding drone activity. 
• Online Drone Registration Portal: The state government to establish an online portal to facilitate the registration of all drones operating within Uttar Pradesh. 
  • All drone operators must declare their details through this platform, and these details will be recorded at the local police station. 
  • Each police station must maintain a local register containing information on drone registration numbers, ownership details, and details of local mechanics. 
• Penalties: Unauthorised drone operations will lead to severe penalties, as per the Drone Rules, 2021 and applicable criminal laws. 
• Coordination: In case of any suspected aerial threats, the police must immediately inform the Air Force Operations Room and the Directorate of Civil Aviation. 
• Survey Notification: No drone survey can be conducted without prior intimation to the local police station.