On Friday, the Civil Aviation Ministry issued draft rules for making and using drones in India. Further, the Ministry proposed that authorized manufacturers or importers can sell drones to only those entities approved by DGCA, the aviation regulator. In addition to surveillance in the Lockdown, drones are also used for disinfection and videography.
Rules state that each drone importer, manufacturer, trader, owner and operator shall require approval from the DGCA. An authorized unmanned aircraft system importer or manufacturer cannot sell an UAS to anyone but an authorized trader/owner.
Further, the DCGA may inspect a UAS manufacturing/ maintenance facility prior to granting authorizations.
Unless a valid third-party insurance policy to cover liabilities that could arise due to UAS mishaps, in India, a UAS cannot operate.
Except as permitted by the DGCA, no UAS should carry payloads.
Further, only Nano-class drones, i.e. less than 250g can operate in India in general. Therefore, only qualified remote pilots may operate heavier drones.