Looks To Make The Country A 'Leader' In The Use Of Drones

The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has released draft regulations for the use of drones in the country with a goal of making India "the world's leader in the use of drones."

According to a report from The Hindu newspaper, at a news conference Wednesday, Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju outlined the key points in the proposed regulations. India will recognize five categories of drones, ranging from nano to large. Other than nano drones, weighing less than 250 grams, operators will need an air defense clearance so that aviation and security authorities are aware of the flight path.

India will establish no-drone zones around airports and other key infrastructure. Drones cannot be operated from a mobile platform.

The aircraft can be used for photography, medical uses, filmmaking and e-commerce.

The draft regulations are heavy on privacy concerns. Civil Aviation Secretary R.N. Choubey said the ministry is working with companies that "have the technology to rein in such rogue drones" that might deviate from their flight plans into restricted areas.

Comments are open for 30 days, with a regulatory framework expected to be released by the end of the year.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original Report