Bhubaneswar: The Puri district administration has declared a 5-kilometre radius around Puri city as a No-Flying Zone from July 16 to July 27, 2026, in view of the annual Rath Yatra festival.
The order prohibits the operation of all drones and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) within the designated area to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and facilitate smooth conduct of the festival, which attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country.
The administration has warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the restrictions.
However, the ban will not apply to drones or unmanned aircraft operated by authorised government departments and security agencies for official purposes.
Susanta Kumar Pati, Additional District Magistrate (Revenue), Puri, has been designated as the Nodal Officer to coordinate matters related to the implementation of the order.
-OdishaAge
