Kerala Police has launched a state-wide audit of privately owned drones to identify who operates them and how they are being used. The directive has been issued to district police chiefs, with the aim of creating a database of drone owners and their devices. The move comes amid growing concerns about the potential misuse of drones for unauthorised surveillance and other security-sensitive activities.
Separately, Thiruvananthapuram City Police has made drone registration mandatory for individuals and organisations owning or planning to purchase drones within city limits. Owners have been asked to submit their personal details and drone specifications to the police. The initiative is intended to improve monitoring and help authorities identify operators when required.
Drone Owners Must Submit Details
The registration process requires information such as the owner’s name, address and phone number, along with the drone manufacturer’s name, model and serial number. Owners can submit the details at their local police station or the City Special Branch office, according to reports.
The police initiative covers recreational, photography, videography and commercial drone use. By maintaining a record of operators and devices, authorities aim to improve accountability and respond more effectively to unauthorised flights or suspicious activity.
Security Concerns Drive State-Wide Audit
Kerala’s coastline, international shipping routes and strategic installations make drone monitoring an important security concern. Around 90 locations, including airports, defence facilities, space installations, power centres and critical government offices, have been designated as red zones where unauthorised drone operations are prohibited.
Police officials have also highlighted the need to assess risks associated with increasingly capable drones, including AI-integrated systems. The state-wide audit is intended to help law-enforcement agencies distinguish legitimate drone use from potentially harmful activity.
Police Registration and DGCA Rules
Drone owners must also be aware of the applicable national aviation regulations. India’s Drone Rules and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s requirements govern matters such as drone identification, remote-pilot certification and permitted flying zones, depending on the drone category and applicable exemptions. The police registration initiative is a separate local security measure and does not replace any applicable DGCA requirements or permissions.
The latest measures reflect a broader effort to balance the growing use of drones in photography, business and other civilian applications with public safety and protection of sensitive infrastructure.
