The Punjab provincial administration has imposed an immediate and complete ban on outdoor drone flying across the province, citing risks to public safety and security.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Punjab’s home ministry said unregulated use of drones poses potential risks to the maintenance of public order, adding that such activities could cause obstruction to official duties, create law and order concerns and disturb the atmosphere in the province.
“It is important to ensure the safety of people and installations/buildings against any potential threat or unwanted activity, in the larger interest of public safety, security, peace and tranquility and to avoid any untoward incident,” the statement read.
The department stated that there was “sufficient reason” to invoke Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, to impose a ban on outdoor drone flying to prevent disturbance of public peace, safety of life and property across Punjab.
“This ban does not apply to the use of small drones to cover indoor activities such as in halls or tents,” the provincial administration added.
However, the Punjab Home Department said that safe use of such drones in a limited and demarcated indoor area (for events/functions) will be the responsibility of the organiser.
Intelligence and law enforcement agencies will be exempt from the ban, which must remain in effect for a period of 30 days from the date of issuance or until withdrawn sooner.
