Bhuj: Kutch’s border is relatively calm and infiltration is minimal compared to other districts and states in the country, yet the border district has been facing strict rules on drone use for the past two years. Even in Jammu and Kashmir, where ceasefire is often violated, drone rules are relaxed. The rules were tightened after a drone strike two months ago. According to the new rules framed by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation on August 26, concessions in Kutch would not only allow drones to be used on auspicious occasions but also facilitate important work like government and private documentation. The Prime Minister has shown the potential for global development in this area.
It is generally believed that drones are used by photographers rather than video / photography at weddings. In fact this UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) is now used in agriculture, mining, infrastructure, surveillance, emergency assistance, transportation, geological mapping, defense as well as law and order. For this reason, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued a new guideline to relax its rules.
Until now, there was a provision to register for drone flying by filling a manual form, instead registration or license can now be obtained on the online Digital Sky platform. The remote pilot license will be valid for 10 years and the fee will be Rs 100 instead of Rs 3000. The number of required forms has been reduced from 25 to 5. Fees of 72 types have now been reduced to only 4. Fees will be negligible and will not be tied to the size of the drone.
The Digital Sky platform will have interactive airspace maps of the green, yellow and red zones. Drones can be flown outside the yellow zone i.e. within a radius of about 12 km from the airport. No permission will be required to fly the drone 200 feet above the green zone and within a radius of 8-12 from the airport. If the drone rules are broken, the maximum fine will be up to Rs one lakh, but other rules will remain the same.
Drones are banned from flying in red, yellow and green in the restricted area of Bhuj Airport, the headquarters of the border district of Kutch.
Nano and micro drones can fly without pilot license
According to the new guideline issued by the ministry, non-commercial use of nano and micro drones will not require a pilot license if implemented in Kutch as well. Drones weighing 250 grams or less are Nano and are known as micro up to 2 kg. Simplifying the transfer and registration process, all drones will be registered online on the Digital Sky platform. The process of transfer and registration of drones has become easier.
India could become a global drone hub by 2030
According to the government, India could become a global drone hub by 2030 due to innovation, traditional expertise in IT, engineering and huge demand in the domestic market. The proposed drone rules, announced Thursday, are simpler and lighter than the UAS rules issued in March. UAS Rules 2021 will provide an open platform for educational, start-ups and end users to use drones.
Many types of exemptions in
drones Many types of approvals had to be sought for drones, now it will not be necessary. Such as Unique Authorization Number, Maintenance Certificate, Operator Permit, Student Remote Pilot License, Permission to import its components etc. had to be reported to the Police Department from time to time. Now the rules have been relaxed.
No notification from Home Ministry.
State and Central Government give special instructions for border districts, but we have not received any instructions yet.- Praveena DK, Kutch Collector,
As
Kutch is a border district, it is not yet certain how much relaxation will be given in these rules as it will be informed from the higher level.