Bhubaneswar: In a bid to ensure public safety and maintain security during the upcoming Bali Yatra, the Cuttack district administration has declared the Bali Yatra grounds and surrounding areas a ‘No Drone Zone’ from November 1 to 15, 2025.
An official order issued by Collector and District Magistrate Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde states that the restriction will apply to a 5-kilometre radius surrounding both the Lower and Upper Bali Yatra grounds.
The order prohibits the flying of para-gliders, para-motors, powered hang gliders, microlight aircraft, hot air balloons, UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), and drones within the restricted zone during the specified period.
“Now, therefore, I, Sri Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Cuttack, exercising the powers vested in me under Section 14(1) of the BNSS Act, 2023, read with Section 163 of the BNSS, do hereby declare the area within a radius of 5 kilometres from the Lower and Upper Bali Yatra grounds as a ‘No Drone Zone’,” the order read.
The order comes ahead of the Historic Bali Yatra 2025, scheduled to be held from November 5 to 12, which is expected to draw massive crowds. Over the years, the annual fair has consistently attracted more than 50 lakh visitors, making it one of the largest open-air trade fairs in Asia.
This year, the festival will be organised on an even grander scale, sprawling across 60 acres of land encompassing both the Lower and Upper grounds.
“AND WHEREAS, during the event, several VVIPs and VIPs are expected to attend and witness the historic festival,” the order further noted.
The district administration has warned that any violation of the order will result in the seizure of drones or any other prohibited aerial devices.
