Latest news with #DroneRules2021
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Illegal drone sales raise alarm over agriculture, national security
Hyderabad: Certified drone manufacturers in India have raised serious concerns over the widespread use and illegal sale of non-type certified drones, particularly those imported from China. These uncertified UAVs, industry representatives warn, violate the DGCA's Drone Rules 2021, endanger public safety, and could compromise national security. Smith Shah, president of the Drone Federation of India, said the problem lies not in the absence of policy but in the failure of enforcement. "The policy is in place. These drones are usually brought into India through misdeclaration—either as separate parts or under misleading labels—and are assembled locally. When a drone is unregistered and flown without a licensed pilot, and especially if it can carry a few kilograms of payload, it becomes a potential national security threat," he said. The influx of cheap Chinese drones, especially for agricultural use, has increased over the last few years. These drones often lack critical safety features like geo-fencing, return-to-home, and auto-landing, and are being operated by individuals without any formal pilot training. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Doutor: Manter a massa muscular após os 50 anos depende deste hábito noturno Saúde em Foco Undo "A dumped Chinese drone is sold to a farmer, and when there is a malfunction or crop damage, the seller disappears," Shah said. The lack of trained operators has also led to uneven spraying of pesticides, which causes phytotoxicity and threatens crop yields. Because non-TC drones have not undergone efficacy tests or chemical residue checks, their use on crops could lead to violations of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). This risks contaminating produce and triggering export rejections, which could affect India's processed food chains and agricultural exports. According to Shah, the DGCA's Drone Rules 2021 clearly prohibit the use of non-type certified drones, and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has banned the import of fully built drones. However, enforcement by customs, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, and aviation regulators remains weak. "There is a prohibition. Customs, DRI, and DGCA must enforce it strictly," he said. The issue also extends to the misuse of govt-backed subsidy schemes like Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF). Certified drone sellers noted that sellers of non-TC drones have been misleading farmers by using forged documentation to claim eligibility for subsidies and bank loans. When loans are rejected or drones fail to perform, farmers are left without support or recourse. The role of YouTube influencers and online dealers is worsening the problem. "There are influencers openly promoting illegal drones and enabling their sale through WhatsApp and other informal channels," a drone firm representative from Hyderabad said. These sellers often disappear after transactions, leaving buyers without service, support, or warranties. Penalties are possible under existing drone regulations, but industry insiders say enforcement remains rare. "These violations not only hurt certified players who invest heavily in R&D and training but also erode trust in the technology itself," the representative of the Hyderabad firm said.
The Hindu
10-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Police bans use of all kinds of drones in Mangaluru till May 14
Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal has ordered a ban on use of drone in the city between 4 p.m. of May 10 and 4 p.m. of May 14. Mr. Agrawal in his order said the ban on use of drone was in order to prevent any untoward incident that can disturb peace of the city. During this period a drone cannot be flown for any purpose. Drone cannot be used to take any photograph or videos in this period. All police inspectors have been asked to strictly enforce this directive and ensure no drones are used in their jurisdiction, Mr. Agrawal stated. The order has been issued exercising his power under Rule 24 of Drone Rules 2021 by which use of unmanned aircraft systems can be temporarily prohibited when in urgent need. Prevailing rules As per the prevailing rules, the drones are classified into nano, micro, small, medium and large, based on their weight. No person is authorised to operate drone, unless its certified by Director General of Civil Aviation or has exemption certification. No drones will be allowed to fly in 'red zone', while written permission is required to fly it in 'yellow zone'. Permission is given when purpose for use of drone is specified and the operator has drone pilot license. After use of the drone, the user has to submit to the permitting authority the route map of drone.
