Draft of new drone rules in India, ministry has sought suggestions by August 5

New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued a draft of new Drone Rules (Drone Rules, 2021) for the ease of use of drones in India. This draft has focused on making the use of drones easier. Along with this, the ministry has given time till 5 August 2021 from the general public to give their suggestions or objections on this new draft. Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya said in his tweet that as a major impetus to the drone industry, I am happy to introduce the Draft Drone Rules 2021. This is quite different from the earlier UAS rules. The UAS Rules, 2021 came into force on March 12 this year. The Drones Rules, 2021 will take its place once notified.

10 highlights of the new draft

• According to the new rules, permission will not be required for flying up to 400 feet in the green zone and 200 feet in the area between 8 and 12 km from the airport perimeter.
• The diameter (perimeter) of the Yellow Zone airport has been reduced from 45 km to 12 km.
• The number of forms to be filled to operate a drone has been reduced to just 6 from the 25 forms mentioned in the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules, 2021.
• There will be no restriction on the drone operation of foreign-owned companies registered in India.
• The fee has been reduced to nominal in the draft rules and will no longer be related to the size of the drone.
• No pilot license is required for micro drones (for non-commercial use), nano drones, and research and development organizations.
• There is no requirement of an Airworthiness Certificate, Unique Identification Number, Prior Permission, and Distance Pilot License for Research and Development Institutions.
• Under the Drone Rules, 2021, the coverage of drones has been increased from 300 kg to 500 kg. This will also include drone taxis.
• Drone makers can generate a unique identification number of their drones on the Digital Sky platform through a self-certification route.
• The maximum fine under the Drone Rules, 2021 has been reduced to Rs 1 lakh. However, this will not apply to penalties imposed for contravention of other laws.