Flying a Drone in Pune Rural? Police Permission Now Mandatory 7 Days in Advance
Pune, 29th July 2026: The Pune Rural Police have imposed restrictions on the use of drones and other aerial devices across the district, making it mandatory for private individuals, event management companies and professional photographers to inform the concerned police station at least seven days in advance and obtain permission from the officer in charge before operating a drone.
The order has been issued by Additional District Magistrate Jyoti Kadam as a preventive measure citing security concerns, including the possibility of drones being used for surveillance of sensitive locations and facilitating criminal or terrorist activities.
Pune Rural district has several important religious sites, dams and central government institutions. The administration has said that the possibility of drones being used for reconnaissance in connection with terrorist activities cannot be ruled out.
The administration has also received several complaints about drones being flown at night in parts of Daund, Baramati and Shirur talukas, which has reportedly created fear among local residents.
Authorities have further raised concerns that drones could potentially be used by illegal sand mining operators for surveillance and by criminals to conduct reconnaissance before thefts and other offences.
Under the order, the use of drones, remote-controlled microlight aircraft, paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, hot-air balloons and similar flying objects has been prohibited in the district unless the required permission is obtained.
Private individuals, event management agencies and professional photographers intending to use drones for filming or photography must notify the concerned police station seven days in advance and obtain formal permission from the officer in charge.
The order also warns that anyone found operating a drone camera for filming without police permission will face action under Section 233 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The restrictions have been imposed as a preventive measure to address security concerns and prevent the misuse of drones and other aerial devices in Pune Rural district.
