Addressing the issue of multiple complaints about drones flying at night in areas like Daund, Baramati and Shirur in Pune, Additional District Collector Suhas Mapari has issued an order prohibiting the use of drone cameras in the area without permission.
It is mandatory for private individuals, event management companies and professional photographers to inform the local police station and obtain prior permission from the concerned officer at least seven days in advance before using drone cameras in the Pune rural district, said the order.
According to the order, there are many religious sites, dams and Central institutions in the jurisdiction, raising concern about potential terrorist activities involving drone surveillance. Moreover, flying drones at night in the area creates fear among residents.
The decision has also been taken suspecting that the sand mafia could be using drones for surveillance and there is a possibility of theft being planned using drone cameras.
Due to security concerns, the order has been issued and will remain in effect for the next two months. Violating the order by flying drone cameras without police permission will result in legal consequences.
