This restriction aims to guarantee the safety, security, and orderly conduct of the annual Rath Yatra amidst the current security landscape and potential aerial threats from the unauthorized use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones.
“In accordance with the powers granted under relevant legal provisions and in the interest of public safety, security, and maintenance of public order, it is hereby declared that the area within a 5 (five) kilometer radius of Puri Town will be designated as a ‘No Flying Zone’ from July 16, 2026, to July 27, 2026 (both dates inclusive),” the notification stated.
However, this prohibition will not extend to drones operated by authorized agencies sanctioned by the competent authority for official purposes, which include aerial surveillance, security operations, aerial photography, videography, mapping, documentation, disaster response, or any other purpose deemed acceptable by the district administration in consultation with the Puri SP.
“Anyone found operating a drone/UAS in violation of this notification will face repercussions under the relevant legal provisions, including those outlined in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the Aircraft Act, 1934, the Aircraft Rules, 1937, the Drone Rules, 2021, and any other applicable laws,” the notification emphasized.
The administration has appointed Susanta Kumar Pati, Additional District Magistrate (Revenue), Puri, as the nodal officer to liaise with all authorized drone-operating agencies during the Rath Yatra in consultation with the Puri SP.
In a related incident, Puri Police recently identified and disabled a drone hovering near the Shree Jagannath Temple. The drone was confiscated, and its operator, Jayakrishna Mandal, a resident of Kolkata, was taken into custody, according to police reports.
Additionally, police plan to deploy a mobile cyber van, referred to as ‘Cyber Rath’, during the Rath Yatra to assist devotees who may become targets of online frauds, including fake hotel booking scams.
The cyber van aims to raise awareness among pilgrims, tourists, hotel owners, and local residents about emerging cyber threats and to aid victims in reporting digital fraud, as stated by police.
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