Flying drones near Taj Mahal can land you in prison
Flying of drones is prohibited in and around the Taj Mahal due to "security reasons." Despite that, they were glimpsed nearly 20 times in the area last year. Police in Agra are now cracking down on the practice since warnings haven't been able to deter it. Violators will face criminal charges for similar acts that might send them to jail.
Individuals in India cannot fly drones without necessary approval
Currently, individuals aren't allowed to fly drones in India without necessary approval. In November, the civil aviation ministry unveiled draft rules to legalize it. Five categories of drones have been devised: nano (below 250gm), micro (250gm-2kg), mini (2kg-25 kg), small (25kg-150kg) and large (over 150kg). But certain zones, including areas within 5km-radius of airports and 50km radius of international border, will be no-fly zones.
Despite ban, many cases of drones being flown near Taj
Despite ban on drones, especially around heritage sites, several people including foreign citizens have been arrested for it. In November'16, an American national was nabbed after he flew a drone near the Taj. Nothing suspicious was found in the drone. Last February, a South Korean professor was briefly held for flying a drone in the area. He said he wasn't aware of no-fly rules.
Police now stepping up against such violations
"Such practices can only be stopped if police take appropriate action," said Agra CISF commandant Brij Bhushan. SP Kunwar Singh says violators will now be booked under IPC Sections 287 (negligent conduct), 336 (endangering life/safety of others), 337 (causing hurt) and 338 (causing grievous hurt). Police will also launch a campaign to spread awareness. Hotel owners are being asked to inform guests about rules.
