AYODHYA, UTTAR PRADESH – On Monday, August 4, 2025, the Ayodhya district administration put a total ban on all unauthorized drone activities across the whole district. This was a big step to protect against possible drone-related threats and the propagation of false information. This judgment comes right after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath told the police to aggressively enforce and keep an eye on drone rules all throughout Uttar Pradesh.
In the past, Ayodhya’s drone restrictions were mostly limited to the region around the Ram Janmabhoomi compound because of the rigorous security measures in place there. Authorities have decided to extend the ban to all sections of the Ayodhya district because of growing worries over recent drone sightings that have caused panic and propagated false information in some parts of western Uttar Pradesh.
Ban that is bigger District Magistrate Nikhil Tikaram Funde used the powers given to him by BNSS Section 163 to legally put the blanket ban in place. At a joint press conference with Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover, DM Funde said, “There have been rumors about suspicious drone activity in several districts.” People could misuse flying without rules to cause fear or help criminals.
Only police and security services that have been given permission will be able to break the new rule. Individuals and groups that want to fly drones in the district must get written authorization from the district administration first.
Authorities also stated that an anti-drone system is already in place at the very important Ram Temple site. This system was used and tested during the consecration ceremony for Ram Lalla’s idol on January 22, 2024.
CM Adityanath’s Strict Penalties and Statewide Directive
The decision in Ayodhya is a direct result of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s high-level video call with all district magistrates and senior police personnel on Sunday, August 3, 2025. The CM ordered a full examination of drone monitoring and strong enforcement of drone rules across the whole state during this meeting.
CM Adityanath gave a strong warning after 17 First Information Reports (FIRs) and 29 arrests were made because of hysteria and false information about drones. He said that “unauthorized drone operations” will be punished under the strict Gangsters Act, and in egregious circumstances, even the National Security Act (NSA).
“We will not allow anyone to use drones to spread fear or false information.” If you fly a drone without permission, it will be taken away and you will be charged with a crime. The CM added in an official statement, “If necessary, their properties will be attached.”
Adityanath also told high-ranking officers to do regular foot patrols and cooperate closely with rural security committees to stop rumors from spreading. He said, “Technology must not be misused.” People who use it to break the peace will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
The Drone Policy 2023 is already in effect in all of Uttar Pradesh, and further ways to keep an eye on drones are likely to be put in place in other critical areas, such as Mathura and Varanasi. This shows that the state is serious about stopping unlawful drone use.