Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, August 5, 2025 – Several districts in Uttar Pradesh, including Ayodhya, Mathura, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, and Bijnor, have banned unauthorized drone flights following orders from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The move comes after reports of drones sparking panic in villages, with rumors of theft gangs using them to scout homes. The state is cracking down hard, warning that violators could face charges under the Gangster Act or even the National Security Act (NSA).
In Ayodhya, where drone rules were previously limited to the Ram Temple area, a district-wide ban is now in place. District Magistrate Nikhil Tikaram Funde, using powers under BNSS Section 163, announced the ban on Monday, citing concerns over suspicious drone activities. “We’ve seen rumors and fake videos causing fear,” Funde said at a press conference with Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover. In Mathura, police chief Shlok Kumar urged residents to report drone use to local stations, stressing that spreading unverified videos online could lead to legal action.
The bans follow incidents that fueled public anxiety. In Muzaffarnagar, two people were arrested for tying lights to pigeons to mimic drones, while in Hapur, kites with LED lights caused similar panic. “People are scared, staying up all night with sticks,” said Ramesh Kumar, a Bijnor resident. Chief Minister Adityanath, in a meeting with top officials, called for strict monitoring and regular patrols to restore calm. “No one can misuse technology to spread fear,” he said, ordering drones without permits to be seized.
Police have clarified that many reported “drones” were toys or mistaken objects, but the bans aim to prevent further unrest. In Bijnor, District Magistrate Jasjit Kaur said the measures are precautionary, with no confirmed drone-related crimes yet.
