The District Magistrate of South Andaman has imposed a complete ban on the flying and operation of drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), gliders and other remote-controlled aircraft in several sensitive locations of Sri Vijaya Puram from December 11 to 14, citing security concerns during an upcoming VVIP visit. The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, follows intelligence alerts indicating that anti-social elements may attempt to misuse UAVs for disruption or surveillance.
The restricted areas include the vicinity of VSI Airport, Chinmaya Mission, Burmanallah, DBRAIT, and Netaji Stadium, locations scheduled to host movement and programmes associated with the VVIP tour. Authorities say these zones require heightened security monitoring, and any unauthorized aerial activity poses a potential threat to public safety and the integrity of protective measures in place.
In the order, the District Magistrate stated that immediate preventive action was necessary to avert potential risks, including attempts to monitor security arrangements, disrupt public order or carry out acts harmful to human life. The ban applies to private individuals, organisations, hobbyists and professional drone operators alike. No exceptions have been announced for commercial photography, media operations or recreational flying during the restricted period.
Violations of the order will attract penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, in addition to other applicable provisions under BNSS and the Civil Aviation Act. The administration emphasised that enforcement teams will be on alert throughout the four-day period, and any detection of UAV activity may result in seizure of equipment and further legal consequences for the operator.
Officials noted that the order has been issued ex-parte due to the urgency of the situation and has been made public through official notice boards, district offices and media circulation to ensure immediate awareness. Law enforcement agencies, including police units and monitoring teams, have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance across all restricted zones.
The ban on UAVs is part of a broader framework of security measures commonly undertaken during high-profile visits to the islands. In recent years, security agencies across the country have increasingly recognised the risks posed by drones, particularly in urban areas where they can be difficult to track and may offer vantage points for surveillance or disruptive actions. The order in Sri Vijaya Puram reflects this shifting security landscape and the growing need for preventive controls.
Residents, photographers and commercial operators have been advised to comply fully with the restrictions to avoid inadvertent violations. Drone activity has grown significantly in the region due to rising interest in aerial photography, tourism marketing and event coverage; however, officials clarified that public safety and security considerations outweigh operational convenience during the restricted period.
The District Magistrate also directed that the order be prominently displayed at the District Magistrate’s office, the District Court and through the Information & Publicity Department to ensure wide dissemination. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious UAV activity to local police stations or security personnel deployed in the affected zones.
The temporary prohibition is expected to remain strictly enforced until the conclusion of the VVIP programmes on December 14. Officials indicated that further advisories may be issued if required, depending on the security assessment and movement patterns during the visit.
With the ban now in effect, authorities have reiterated that such restrictions are routine during high-security events and are aimed at ensuring a smooth and secure environment for both officials and the public. Residents have been requested to cooperate fully with the administration until the completion of the VVIP engagements.
