Sri Vijaya Puram, August 8: The South Andaman district administration has prohibited the operation of drones, remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other similar aerial platforms around five key locations in Sri Vijaya Puram during the scheduled visit of the Vice President of India on August 8 and 9.
The restriction also covers para-jumping, paragliding and other aerial recreational activities around Veer Savarkar International (VSI) Airport, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT), National Memorial Cellular Jail, Flag Point and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (NSCB) Island.
District Magistrate, South Andaman, Purva Garg, IAS, issued the order on August 7 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, citing the need for preventive measures to maintain public order and ensure security during the Vice President’s visit.
The order followed a communication from the Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District, regarding the visit scheduled for August 8 and 9, during which the Vice President is scheduled to visit various locations within Sri Vijaya Puram in South Andaman district.
The administration said aerial activities involving RPAS, drones and other platforms in the vicinity of vital installations, the Vice President’s place of stay and places of visit could pose potential security and public safety concerns. It therefore considered immediate preventive measures necessary.
The prohibition will remain effective throughout August 8 and 9, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. The order has been issued ex parte because of the emergent nature of the matter and the requirement for immediate preventive action, and it came into force with immediate effect.
Anyone found violating the order may 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.
The administration has directed that the order be displayed on the notice boards of the District Magistrate’s Office and the District Court in Sri Vijaya Puram. It will also receive wider publicity through the Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, and local newspapers circulating in the district.
