Punjab bans outdoor drone flights for 30 days over security concerns
Limited drone use allowed at indoor events
The ban does not completely stop all drone activity in the province. Small drones may still be used to cover events held inside halls and marquees.
However, organisers of such events will be responsible for ensuring that the drones are operated safely within the permitted indoor area. The exemption allows limited drone use for indoor activities while outdoor flights remain prohibited across the province.
Agricultural and research drone use allowed with permission
Drone operations for certain approved purposes can continue under the new rules.
The Punjab Home Department has established district-level Safe Drone Usage Committees to review requests for permitted drone activities. These committees can issue written permission for drone use related to agriculture, irrigation, and research.
Once written permission is granted by the relevant committee, the approved drone operation will remain exempt from the restriction. This provides a controlled mechanism for activities that require drones for agricultural, irrigation or research purposes.
Intelligence and law enforcement agencies exempt
The restriction does not apply to drones operated by intelligence and law enforcement agencies for official duties. These agencies can continue to use drones for authorised security and operational activities.
The exemption allows government agencies to carry out official operations without being affected by the general outdoor drone ban.
Why has Punjab imposed the drone ban?
The provincial government has cited security concerns as the main reason for restricting outdoor drone flights. The Home Department said the restrictions are intended to maintain public safety and law and order and protect public and private property.
The latest order tightens controls on drone use in open areas while allowing limited exemptions for indoor events and officially approved activities. The measure follows several earlier extensions of restrictions on outdoor drone flights in Punjab during 2026.
Section 144 provides legal basis
The ban has been imposed by the Punjab Home Secretary under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898. The legal provision allows authorities to impose restrictions in situations involving public safety, security, and law-and-order concerns.
Under the latest order, the outdoor drone restriction applies across Punjab. District administrations and police have been instructed to ensure compliance with the order and take action against violations in accordance with the law.
Safe Drone Usage Committees to control permissions
The district-level Safe Drone Usage Committees will play an important role during the restriction period.
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People and organisations seeking to use drones for agriculture, irrigation or research will need written approval from the relevant committee. This means such activities cannot continue without the required permission.
The committee system allows authorities to review proposed drone operations and determine whether they can be carried out safely. Drones covered by written permission from the relevant committee will remain exempt from the restriction.
What the new rules mean for drone users
For ordinary drone users, the main change is that outdoor flights across Punjab are prohibited during the 30-day restriction.
People cannot freely operate drones in parks, open grounds, streets, fields or other outdoor locations unless they fall under an authorised exemption. Small drones can still be used for indoor event coverage, but organisers must ensure their safe operation.
Similarly, users involved in agricultural, irrigation or research activities must obtain written permission from the relevant Safe Drone Usage Committee. The rules therefore distinguish between prohibited outdoor flights and limited, officially approved drone operations.
Authorities ordered to ensure strict implementation
The Punjab Home Department has directed provincial authorities and police to ensure full implementation of the order.
District administrations will be responsible for enforcing the restrictions within their respective areas. Police and other relevant departments will also monitor compliance with the ban.
The government has cited public safety, law and order, and the protection of lives and property as key reasons for maintaining the restrictions. The restriction will remain in force for the specified 30-day period unless it is withdrawn or changed earlier by the competent authority.
