Uttar Pradesh CM Warns Against Drone Misuse

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued a strict directive prohibiting unauthorized drone operations in public spaces, warning that misuse of aerial technology to spread panic or misinformation will be met with severe legal consequences. Offenders may face action under the Gangsters Act and the National Security Act (NSA).

The Chief Minister’s statement, delivered on Sunday, comes amid growing concerns over unregulated drone activity in several districts. He emphasized that drones can pose a threat to public order if used for malicious purposes. “Any attempt to incite fear or spread rumors using drones will not be tolerated. The government will deal strictly with such elements,” he said.

Yogi Adityanath instructed the principal secretary (home) and the Director General of Police (DGP) to carry out a comprehensive review of drone-related activities. He directed law enforcement agencies to implement a statewide drone monitoring system to enable real-time surveillance and swift action in case of violations.

Operating drones without official authorization remains strictly prohibited in Uttar Pradesh. The Chief Minister stressed that anyone violating this order will face immediate punitive action. “District-level police must increase patrolling and maintain public trust by actively preventing the misuse of aerial surveillance technology,” he said.

While showing the importance of technological progress, Yogi Adityanath made it clear that innovation should serve the public good. “Technology should be used for innovation and development, not to threaten public peace or disrupt law and order. Anyone attempting to destabilize the system through tech-driven intimidation will face the full force of the law,” he said.

He reaffirmed the state government’s support for the constructive use of emerging technologies, such as drones for agriculture, disaster management, and infrastructure monitoring. However, he warned that any deviation into unlawful activities would be met with decisive enforcement.

According to a state government spokesperson, legal provisions will be tightened, and monitoring mechanisms will be enhanced to deter drone-related crimes. The spokesperson added that the government’s approach seeks to reassure the public that law and order will not be compromised.

Law enforcement officials have been directed to maintain constant vigilance, particularly during public gatherings, sensitive events, and in high-security zones. Authorities are also exploring the use of anti-drone systems to neutralize unauthorized devices when necessary.

The directive follows recent incidents in which unpermitted drones were reportedly sighted near critical infrastructure and during large public gatherings, raising security concerns. Officials believe that proactive regulation and firm enforcement will curb potential threats before they materialize.

With these measures, Uttar Pradesh aims to strike a balance between enabling beneficial drone applications and preventing their exploitation for harmful purposes, ensuring public safety remains the highest priority.