In preparation for Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 and the scheduled visit of VVIPs to Drass on July 25 and 26, District Magistrate Shrikant Balasaheb Suse has imposed a ban on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) within the Drass sub-division and Kargil tehsil. As per the officer, this order aims to mitigate any potential security risks to high-profile visitors.
The decision, formalized under Order No. 11 of 2024 and dated July 23, 2024, declares the aforementioned areas as “No Flying Zones” and “Red Zones” under the Drone Rules 2021. The directive comes as a response to a request from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kargil, who cited security concerns associated with drone usage during the important commemorative event.
Effective from July 24 through July 26, 2024 the order explicitly prohibits the operation of drones by the general public. Exceptions are made for security agencies, including police, paramilitary forces, the Special Protection Group (SPG), and defence forces.
District Magistrate Suse said that it has been enacted ex-parte due to the emergent nature of the situation and the limited timeframe.
Meanwhile, SSP Kargil will oversee the enforcement of this directive, with violations subject to prosecution and penalties as prescribed by law.