Puri Imposes No-Fly Zone For Drones During Rath Yatra
Puri district administration declares 5-km radius no-fly zone, ensures safety for devotees. Rath Yatra to commence on July 16, 2026, and conclude on July 27, 2026.
The Puri district administration has declared a 5-km radius around the holy town a 'No Flying Zone' for drones from July 16 to 27, 2026, in view of the annual Rath Yatra.
This decision has been taken to ensure the safety and security of millions of devotees expected to attend the annual festival. The Rath Yatra will commence on July 16, 2026, and it will conclude on July 27, 2026.
The temporary ban prohibits the operation of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the festival area unless prior permission is obtained from the competent authorities.
The Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the major Hindu observances, which is celebrated every year. Devotees from across the world come to take part in the festival and seek blessings of Lord Jagannath.
This year is also likely to see lakhs of devotees in the Chariot Festival, and to ensure safety and smooth management, the Puri district administration has declared a 5-km radius around the town a 'No-Flying Zone' for drones.
The official notification was issued on July 10, 2026. The restriction aims to prevent potential security threats, manage the massive crowds, and avoid disruptions during the movement of the three majestic chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
Authorities have said that unauthorised drone operations could pose risks to public safety and interfere with surveillance and emergency response efforts. However, only government agencies and security personnel authorised for official surveillance and monitoring will be allowed to operate drones during the restricted period.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra draws lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad every year. To manage the influx, Odisha Police has deployed thousands of security personnel, along with AI-enabled surveillance systems, CCTV cameras, anti-drone technology, quick response teams, and disaster management units across Puri.
Authorities have also appealed to visitors to cooperate with security personnel and follow the guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe festival.
The Rath Yatra is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, and the administration's efforts to ensure safety and security are crucial to its success.
The festival is expected to attract over a crore devotees, and the 5-km no-fly zone is a necessary measure to prevent any potential disruptions or security threats.
In conclusion, the Puri district administration's decision to impose a no-fly zone for drones during the Rath Yatra is a welcome move to ensure the safety and security of devotees. The festival is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, and the administration's efforts to ensure its success are commendable.
