Introduction
In a pre‑emptive security move, the Union Territory of Chandigarh has declared a no‑drone zone for three consecutive days, from 26 December to 28 December 2024, coinciding with the scheduled movement of VVIPs through the city. The restriction, announced by the Chandigarh administration in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to neutralise potential aerial threats and ensure the safety of dignitaries travelling on official business. The decision underscores the growing reliance on unmanned aerial systems for both benign recreation and malicious intent, prompting authorities to tighten air‑space controls in high‑profile corridors. For full details, see the original report on The Indian Express.
Security measures announced
The administration issued a circular that bans the launch, landing, or operation of any drone within a 5‑kilometre radius of the VVIP route. Enforcement agencies, including the local police, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), have been tasked with real‑time monitoring using radar, radio‑frequency scanners and aerial patrols. Violators face penalties ranging from fines of up to ₹50,000 to imprisonment for up to three years, reflecting the seriousness with which the government views aerial security breaches.
Impact on civil aviation and hobbyists
The temporary ban affects not only hobbyist pilots but also commercial operators conducting surveys, photography or infrastructure inspections. Flight schools and drone‑service firms have been advised to suspend operations in the designated zone and to file for special permits if essential work cannot be postponed. A brief no‑fly chart is provided below, highlighting the exact coordinates and dates of the restriction.
| Date | Restricted Area (km radius) | Applicable Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| 26 Dec 2024 | 5 km around VVIP route | ₹50,000 fine / up to 3 years jail |
| 27 Dec 2024 | 5 km around VVIP route | ₹50,000 fine / up to 3 years jail |
| 28 Dec 2024 | 5 km around VVIP route | ₹50,000 fine / up to 3 years jail |
Legal framework and enforcement
The restriction draws authority from the Drone Rules, 2021, which empower the central government to designate “no‑drone zones” in the interest of national security, public safety or privacy. In addition, the DGCA’s Airspace Management Order provides procedural guidelines for issuing temporary bans. Enforcement teams are equipped with portable jammers and geo‑fencing software that can automatically ground any unauthorized drone entering the zone, ensuring swift compliance.
Public reaction and future implications
Local drone enthusiasts expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging the necessity of the ban while lamenting the inconvenience. Social‑media threads highlighted calls for clearer communication and advance notice for future restrictions. Security experts, however, argue that such proactive measures set a precedent for handling high‑profile movements in densely populated urban centres, potentially leading to more frequent temporary air‑space closures as the use of drones proliferates.
Conclusion
Chandigarh’s three‑day no‑drone zone exemplifies the balancing act between safeguarding VVIP movements and accommodating the burgeoning drone ecosystem. By leveraging legal provisions, advanced monitoring tools and coordinated enforcement, authorities aim to mitigate aerial threats without stifling legitimate aerial activities. As drone technology continues to evolve, similar security protocols are likely to become a regular feature of urban event planning, prompting ongoing dialogue between regulators, industry stakeholders and the public.
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