Individuals and companies now can use drones for weddings, events and other purposes in areas other than those barred for security reasons.
But prior to that one has to take permission from the local police for using drones. In case of violation one has to face legal action. After the Civil Aviation Ministry introduced new regulations for use of drones effective from December 1, the Odisha police have obtained information regarding use of drones by private players in the State.
As per reports, the Odisha police have procured two drones for surveillance in Swabhiman Anchal (cutoff areas) of Malkangiri district as part of its anti-Maoist strategies. Besides, around 500 drones are being used by private players in the State, mainly in Jharsuguda, Rourkela, Puri, Bhubaneswar, Brahmapur and Cuttack.
The private drones are mainly used for wedding, films, TV shows and documentaries, and political events. Though such usages of drones were unregulated earlier, now one has to follow a set of new rules and regulations.
For flying Nano drone, the user will now have to take permission from the local police. Besides, he or 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 for the same, 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 five categories based on their weight. They are Nano, Micro, Small, Medium and Large drones.