Ayodhya, Following Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s decision regarding potential drone-related risks in Uttar Pradesh, the Ayodhya district administration on Monday issued a blanket ban on unlicensed drone operations throughout the district.

Drone restrictions in Ayodhya were previously limited to the temple town area due to ongoing security procedures surrounding the Ram Janmabhoomi complex. However, with mounting fears about drone sightings spreading panic in portions of western Uttar Pradesh, authorities have now expanded the prohibition to cover the whole Ayodhya district.

District Magistrate Nikhil Tikaram Funde, acting under BNSS Section 163, officially declared the blanket ban.

During a joint press conference with Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover, the DM stated, “Rumours of suspicious drone activities have been circulating in numerous districts. Such unrestricted flying could be used to incite panic or aid in criminal activity.”

Only police and authorized security agencies would be immune from the restriction. To use drones within district bounds, private persons and groups must first get formal permission from the district administration, according to the DM.

Given the Ram Temple’s high security status, authorities confirmed that an anti-drone system is already in place.

The order in Ayodhya came a day after Chief Minister Adityanath, in a high-level videoconference with all district judges and senior police officers, ordered the monitoring and implementation of drone restrictions across the state.

Following 17 FIRs and 29 arrests due to drone-related panic and misinformation, the Chief Minister decided that “unauthorised drone operations” shall be prosecuted under the Gangsters Act, and in serious cases, the National Security Act.

“Any attempt to promote fear or misinformation via drones will not be permitted. Drones flown without permission will be impounded, and individuals responsible will face criminal prosecution. If necessary, their properties will be attached,” the CM stated in an official statement.

Adityanath also directed that senior officials evaluate drone monitoring in each district, conduct regular foot patrols, and collaborate with village security committees to combat rumors.

The CM emphasized, “Technology must not be exploited. Those who use it to disrupt peace will face the full force of the law.”

The Drone Policy 2023 is already in effect, with further surveillance measures expected to be implemented in sensitive districts including as Ayodhya, Mathura, and Varanasi.