In this new policy, information has to be given to the district administration before flying drones in 7 border districts

MOHALI: Taking in view the increasing threat of gangsters and terrorists, the administration has restricted the use of drones in the state. According to IG Sukhchain Singh Gill, a new policy is being prepared for the purchase and use of drones. Under the new policy, approval will have to be obtained from the district administration before purchasing a large drone. After buying a drone, it has to be registered like a vehicle. Permission from DC or ADC is required whenever drone is to be used after registration. 

Notably, the Implementation of the new policy has begun. The government has sent its draft to the Home Ministry. The reason for this is that there is more danger from drones in the border area of Pakistan. Therefore, objections and various approvals have been sought in this regard. 

In this new policy, information has to be given to the district administration before flying drones in 7 border districts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Fazilka and Jalalabad. After registration, license or certificate will be issued to the concerned person or organization. During the investigation, if the drone is caught, the license will have to be shown. Along with this, after a meeting with BSF officials, the no flying zone area along the border has been increased from 5 km to 12 km.

The top officials of the Punjab Police are going to meet with the top officials of the Union Home Ministry regarding the purchase of anti-drone equipment. Recently, in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, it was decided to frame new rules regarding drone activities. There is already a provision to get permission from the district administration before flying small drones in the districts but it is not being strictly enforced.

After the new policy is approved, the use of drones by the police will be closely monitored. Police have been facing issues due to the lack of anti-drone equipment. For some time now, there have been several incidents of delivery of weapons and drugs through drones in Punjab. Joint teams of Punjab Police and BSF will work together to tackle this problem. A joint campaign will be conducted for this from time to time. Joint patrolling will also be conducted by BSF and Punjab Police.