Port Blair: The South Andaman district administration has imposed a temporary blanket prohibition on drones, remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and other aerial activities around several vital installations and public locations, citing potential threats to security and public safety. The order, issued by South Andaman District Magistrate Purva Garg, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, prohibits the flying, operation or use of all types of RPAS/drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and similar aerial platforms in and around designated locations.
The restrictions cover Veer Savarkar International Airport, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT), National Memorial Cellular Jail, Flag Point and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island. The administration has also prohibited para-jumping, paragliding and all other aerial recreational activities in and around these locations during the specified period.
The prohibition will remain in force on August 8 and 9, 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The order follows a communication from the Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District, regarding the need for adequate security arrangements and preventive measures. The District Magistrate observed that aerial activities around vital installations and designated locations could potentially compromise security and public safety.
The administration has warned that any person found violating the order will face action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, apart from other applicable legal provisions, including those governing civil aviation and unmanned aircraft operations. Given the emergent nature of the matter, the order has been issued ex parte and has come into force with immediate effect.
The administration has directed wide publicity of the prohibition through official channels and local newspapers, while copies of the order are also to be displayed at designated government offices. The move effectively puts the identified locations under a temporary no-drone and no-aerial-activity regime, aimed at preventing unauthorised aerial operations that could pose a security risk or endanger public safety.
