Civil drone Bill must address privacy, security and ecological risks, says citizens' group

By A Representative

A group of concerned citizens led by public policy expert and climate change campaigner Dr. Narasimha Reddy Donthi has submitted extensive comments on the Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025, urging the Ministry of Civil Aviation to incorporate stronger provisions for safety, security, environmental protection, and accountability.

In a letter addressed to Shri Manoj Kumar Yadav, Under Secretary to the Government of India, the group welcomed the initiative to regulate drones but stressed the need for a broader and more inclusive framework. “We need more discussion on this Bill that responds to safety, national security, individual security, environmental concerns and social protection,” the submission noted.

The group argued that the proposed regulatory mechanism is Delhi-centric, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) having a limited presence outside airports in major cities. They recommended decentralisation, inclusion of state governments, and integration of community reporting mechanisms to ensure effective enforcement across the country.

They also called for the creation of a nationwide “technical net” with drone-recognising radars, mandatory real-time transmission of drone location and ID, and stronger safeguards against drone-related crimes, particularly those involving explosives or hazardous payloads. Penalties for such offences, they suggested, should be on par with stringent firearm laws.

Highlighting issues faced by ordinary people, such as intrusive drone photography, the comments underscored the need for an accessible grievance redressal system. A separate clause addressing privacy violations was recommended to prevent misuse of drones for surveillance or harassment. The group further stressed the importance of restricting drone flights near protected habitats, wildlife zones, and water bodies, especially during breeding seasons, to prevent ecological disruption.

The submission also highlighted loopholes in the draft bill, including exemptions for drones in “green zones” and lack of clear liability frameworks. It recommended mandatory airworthiness standards for all drones, compulsory insurance, and the creation of techno-legal aviation tribunals—similar to Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACTs)—to handle drone-related disputes.

Drawing from international examples, the comments pointed to U.S. and Chinese models of mandatory remote identification and real-time tracking of drones. In both cases, authorities have introduced stricter enforcement tools, including geo-fencing, community reporting, and the ability to disable unauthorized flights.

Concluding the submission, Dr. Donthi urged the Ministry to adopt stronger liability clauses, clearer definitions, expanded state government roles, and stricter penalties. “A strong legal and regulatory framework for drones must necessarily contain a strong liability framework as well,” he stated.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is currently reviewing public inputs on the draft bill, which seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for the promotion and regulation of civilian drone operations in India.

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