THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Quadcopters or ‘helicameras’ whirring high above public functions and weddings for snapping up video footage are now commonplace. But their use without prior approval could land you in trouble, according to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.
Helicameras fall within the definition of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or Unmanned Aircraft System (UAV/UAS). Replying to questions in the Assembly, Chennithala said that the Centre, in a communique in October, had asked the states to control the use of those vehicles. He pointed out that such equipment could be used for subversive activities.
The Civil Aviation Minister, on October 7, 2014, had issued a public notice banning the use of vehicles falling within this category in the Indian civil airspace without prior approval, Chennithala said. The notice had been forwarded to all the states on October 26 for enforcement. The minister said that unchecked use of helicameras could result in mishaps as well as security breaches.
‘’It is essential that prior approval is obtained for the use of equipment such as helicameras as they could create a favourable situation for subversive activities.
Also, they are to be banned in high-security zones,’’ he said.
The matter was raised in the House through a written question by MLAs P Ubaidulla, C Moyinkutty, Abdurahiman Randathani and K M Shaji.