Panaji: January 13, 2016 … The District Magistrate, South Goa District Margao in exercise of the powers vested under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, has ordered to ban the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) popularly known as “Drones” throughout the South Goa District.
There are no regulatory guidelines concerning the sales and operation of such UAS. The drones in 2015 have become popular across the globe. Due to its easy availability at affordable pries in the market it can pose a threat to the society and the country at large if its use is done by anti social elements for terror related activities such as drone attacking, planting/carrying of explosives, covert operations etc.
Those individual and organizations interested in using commercial drones should be compulsorily directed to register themselves with the controlling body that will be established under the approval and control of Aviation Department and other concern authorities. Furthermore the user shall adhere by the rules and regulations laid down by the concern body.
Besides this, to cover the aspect of security point of view, following precautionary measures be taken into consideration at the time of registration process. Submitting of identity proof with full address and contact number of the user to the controlling body; furnishing of details of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) / Drone to the controlling body; inspection of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) be conducted on a strategic period with the help of technical experts; purpose /reason of unmanned aerial vehicle using the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) be cleared before the authorities; incase the user intends to sell or buy new Unmanned Aircraft systems (UAS), same be intimated to the authorities in advance and to follow the required registration process and incase the user intends to use the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at public functions or private events, necessary approvals and permissions shall be compulsorily obtained by the user from the organizers and the controlling body well in advance.
Formulating of required regulations by the Government and enforcing the law and precautionary measures from security point of view would be of great significance to keep track on usage of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) by anti social elements/terrorists and enable Police force to thwart any attempts of carrying out covert/dangerous activities that could be disturb the peace and public tranquility and grave danger to human life and property. Looking at the present security scenario around the world, it is urgently felt that, there is a need to keep a track and accountability on flying of commercial drones from security point of view by way of appointing a controlling body comprising of concern authorities to supervise and regulate its activities by way of framing new guidelines/ measures. However, till then as precautionary measure regulatory order prohibiting the use of drones till specific rules/guidelines comes into force from concern authority be brought into effect.
Any person contravening this order shall be punishable under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
The Supdt of Police, (ATS), Porvorim, Supdt. of Police, South Goa Margao, the SDPO of Margao, Quepem, Mormugao & Ponda and the Police Inspector/SHO’s of the respective Police Stations are also authorized to file FIR on behalf of the State in the Court if any persons found contravening the above order which shall be punishable under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code.
