Bhubaneswar: The Puri district administration has declared Puri city and its surrounding areas as a No Flying Zone for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and drones ahead of the annual Rath Yatra.
According to an official order issued by the District Magistrate, the 5-kilometre radius around Puri town has been notified as a No Flying Zone from 16th July 2026 to 27th July 2026, covering both days inclusive. This period includes the main Rath Yatra and associated rituals.
The administration stated that a massive congregation of devotees is expected in and around Puri town during the festival. The restriction has been imposed to ensure public safety, security, and orderly conduct of the event, keeping in view the prevailing security scenario and the possibility of aerial threats from unauthorised drone operations.
The order imposes a complete prohibition on flying, launching, or operating any drones or UAS within the 5 km radius of Puri town during the notified period. Strict legal action will be taken against violators under relevant laws, including the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the Aircraft Act, 1934, the Aircraft Rules, 1937, the Drone Rules, 2021, and other applicable provisions.
Exemptions will be granted only to authorised government or security agencies for official purposes such as aerial surveillance, security operations, disaster response, or documentation, subject to prior permission from the competent authority.
Susanta Kumar Pati, ADM (Revenue), Puri, has been designated as the Nodal Officer to coordinate with all authorised agencies for any permitted drone operations in consultation with the Superintendent of Police, Puri.
The District Magistrate emphasised that the order has been issued in the interest of public safety and maintenance of public order.
