DGCA declares Puri Jagannath Temple as ‘Red Zone’ for 3 years; anti-drone systems deployed

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Saturday, declared the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri a Red Zone, or a no-fly zone for three years or until September 25, 2028. The restriction will apply to unmanned aircraft such as drones, which can pose a significant security challenge.

The DGCA move comes after repeated sightings of unauthorised drone flights over the temple premises.

While the temple area had previously been declared a No-Flying Zone, the new Red Zone status will impose stricter airspace restrictions. Sources reported that authorities have also deployed anti-drone devices capable of intercepting and neutralising rogue drones entering the restricted airspace.

"The DGCA has declared the Puri Srimandir and its adjacent areas as a red zone for a period of three years. No object can be flown in these areas. Many drones have a built-in function through which they can automatically detect if an area is a red zone and stop before entering it. However, many people use drones without this function,” said Prateek Singh, SP Puri.

Strengthened Airspace Security

The DGCA’s notification includes updates to the airspace map, marking the temple’s surroundings as a high-security zone. All flights, including drones, will require special clearance to operate near the temple.

The new regulations are expected to prevent incidents like the recent drone intrusion, which was successfully intercepted by Puri police under SP Pratik Singh’s supervision.

“With anti-drone technology now operational, any unauthorised aerial device approaching the temple will be immediately neutralised,” Singh added.

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Recent Incursion Adds To Scare

It is worth noting that the Puri police have seized several drones this year for flying around the temple periphery and, in some cases, close to the Jagamohan. Further, the Puri SP added that they had seized one drone yesterday and also registered a case against its operator.

“Yesterday, we seized a drone that had entered the no-fly zone. A case was registered under the Aircraft Act against the person flying it. Inquiry into this matter is ongoing," said SP Singh.