Puri Rath Yatra 2026 – 5 km No Flying Zone Declared, Drone Operations Prohibited
PURI RATH YATRA 2026 – NO FLYING ZONE DECLARED
No Flying Zone
Prohibition Period
Nodal Officer
Nodal Officer for Drone Operations
Shri Susanta Kumar Pati, ADM (Revenue), Puri
Mobile: 9178136557
Authorized drone agencies to coordinate with Nodal Officer in consultation with SP, Puri
Key Provisions of the Notification
- Declaration: In exercise of powers conferred under applicable provisions of law and in the interest of public safety, security, and maintenance of public order, the area within a 5 (five) kilometre radius of Puri Town is declared as a "No Flying Zone" for the period from 16th July 2026 to 27th July 2026 (both days inclusive).
- Reason: A massive congregation of devotees is expected in and around Puri Town during the celebration of Rath Yatra, 2026, and the associated rituals and festivals. The prohibition is to ensure safety, security, and orderly conduct of the festival, keeping in view the prevailing security scenario and the possibility of aerial threats from unauthorized UAS/drone operations.
- Prohibition: During the above period, the operation, launching, or flying of any Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)/ Drone within the notified area shall be strictly prohibited.
- Exceptions: This prohibition shall not apply to drones operated by authorized agencies specifically permitted by the competent authority for official purposes such as aerial surveillance, security operations, aerial photography, videography, mapping, documentation, disaster response or any other purpose approved by the District Administration in consultation with the Superintendent of Police, Puri.
- Penalty: Any person found operating a drone/UAS in violation of this Notification shall be liable for action under applicable provisions of law, including the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the Aircraft Act, 1934, the Aircraft Rules, 1937, the Drone Rules, 2021 and any other law in force.
- Nodal Officer: Shri Susanta Kumar Pati, ADM (Revenue), Puri (Mobile No. 9178136557) is designated as the Nodal Officer for coordinating with all authorized drone-operating agencies regarding the operation of drones during Rath Yatra, 2026, in consultation with the Superintendent of Police, Puri.
Important Points for Public & Drone Operators
- Complete Drone Ban: No drone/UAS operation, launching, or flying is permitted within 5 km radius of Puri Town during 16th-27th July 2026.
- Security Measure: The ban is imposed due to the massive congregation of devotees during Rath Yatra and associated festivals to prevent any aerial threats.
- Authorized Exception: Only drones operated by authorized agencies with specific permission from competent authority are exempted.
- Coordination Required: Authorized agencies must coordinate with the Nodal Officer (ADM Revenue, Puri) in consultation with SP, Puri.
- Legal Action: Violation will attract action under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Aircraft Act, 1934, Aircraft Rules, 1937, Drone Rules, 2021 and other applicable laws.
- Public Cooperation: All citizens and drone operators are requested to cooperate with the administration for the successful conduct of Rath Yatra 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
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