Punjab imposes 30-day ban on outdoor drones

The Punjab Home Department has imposed a 30-day ban on outdoor drone flights across the province under Section 144, citing security concerns.

According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department, the restriction has been introduced as a precautionary measure to prevent potential security threats linked to the use of drones in open areas.

However, limited use of small drones will be permitted at events held inside wedding halls and marquees. The organisers of such indoor events will be responsible for ensuring that drones are operated safely and in accordance with the applicable restrictions.

The spokesperson said intelligence agencies and law enforcement institutions have been exempted from the ban. Their authorized use of drones will therefore continue for official security and operational purposes.

The Home Department has also established a Safe Drone Usage Committee to regulate and oversee drone operations during the restriction period. Written permission from the committee will be required for drone use in cases that fall under the permitted categories.

The committee will also issue written authorization for the use of drones for research purposes. Drone operations approved by the Safe Drone Usage Committee will be treated as exempt from the general restriction.

The provincial authorities have urged organisers, researchers and other permitted users to follow safety requirements and obtain the necessary written approval before operating drones.

The 30-day restriction will remain in effect across Punjab under Section 144 as the authorities monitor the security situation and regulate the use of unmanned aerial devices.