Hardeep Singh
Drones have the ability to go where humans cannot, making them perfect for risky search and rescue missions as well as delivering vital supplies to distant locations and disaster zones. Drones that are utilised for military purposes have become commonplace in today’s society. Drones have long been employed as target decoys, in combat operations, for research and development, and for surveillance by military forces all over the world. The Indian Ministry of Aviation has already imposed a number of limitations on the use of drones. Micro drones are not allowed to fly faster than 25 metres per second (m/s) or higher than 60 metres above ground level.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation approved a Rs 120 crore production-linked incentive (PLI) programme for drones and drone components on September 30. The ramifications for Indian drone firms are decoded by Amber Dubey, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The Indian government today unveiled the long-awaited New Drone Policy of 2021, which would supersede the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rules of 2021.
Despite a recent rise in drone strikes in Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has revoked several of the most current drone policy’s licences.
The weight limit for drones covered by the New Drone Policy of 2021 has been increased from 300 kilogrammes to 500 kilogrammes to enable large payload-carrying drones and drone taxis.
In India, many licences were formerly necessary to fly drones, but these have since been removed. Only a few examples include a unique authorization number, a unique prototype identification number, a certificate of conformance, a certificate of maintenance, an operator permit, a research and development (R&D) organisation authorization, a student remote pilot licence, a remote pilot instructor authorization, a drone port authorization, and permission to import drone components.
The long-awaited New Drone Policy of 2021, which will replace the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rules of 2021, was announced today by the Indian government.
Despite a recent increase in drone strikes in Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has cancelled a number of licences under the most recent drone policy.
- Under the New Drone Policy of 2021, drone coverage has also been increased from 300 to 500 kg to enable for big payload-carrying drones and drone taxis.
- The New Drone Policy of 2021 will replace the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rules of 2021.
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation has withdrawn many permissions from the present drone regulation (MoCA).
- The number of licences is reduced from 25 to 5 under the Drone Rules of 2021.
From 25 to 5, the number of permits has been lowered. For the year 2021, the maximum penalty under the Drone Rules has been lowered to one lakh rupees. Fines issued under other statutes are not affected. Prior to registration or the issuing of a licence, no security clearance is necessary. The expense of obtaining a permit shall be kept to a bare minimum. On the digital sky platform, interactive airspace maps with green, yellow, and red zones will be shown. Red zones are prohibited zones, yellow zones are restricted airspace, and green zones are airspace from the ground to 400 feet vertically. The airport’s yellow zone has been lowered from 45 to 12 kilometres.
All drones will be registered using the Digital Sky Platform. For the transfer and deregistration of current drones in the nation, a simple mechanism has been recommended. Starting today, safety features including no permission-no takeoff (NPNT), real-time tracking beacons, and geofencing will be notified. At least six months’ notice will be given for compliance.
An authorised drone school will give all drone training and examinations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will set training standards, oversee drone schools, and issue pilot licences over the internet. For R&D organisations, there is no need for a type certificate, a unique identity number, or a previous application.
Drone routes for freight delivery will be developed. Drone imports will be regulated by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Promotion Council will be formed to promote a business-friendly regulatory framework.
The incentive-driven drone sector is expected to earn Rs 900 crore in revenue and employ 10,000 people by 2023-24. According to the source, India has a long history of contributing to the sector’s worth. According to the government, agriculture, mining, medical supplies, combat, firefighting, rescue operations, construction site activities, and surveillance are among the areas where drones might help with functionality, last-mile delivery, and avoiding substantial delays and risks.
Due to a lack of clarity in terms of legislation and policy, venture capitalists have shied away from investing in Indian drone firms. The most recent move may finally give this “sunrise industry” the wings it needs, attracting additional entrepreneurs to the ecosystem. One can only hope that this will help to create an environment that encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, competitiveness, job creation, and creativity while utilising future-proof technologies.
