How to avail drones under various schemes in India?
Drones are becoming increasingly popular and useful in various sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, surveillance, and entertainment. However, buying and operating a drone in India is not as simple as it may seem. There are several rules and regulations that one has to follow to ensure safety and legality. In this blog post, we will explain how to avail drones under various schemes in India and what are the benefits and challenges of doing so.
The first step to avail a drone is to register it with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the regulatory body for civil aviation in India. The DGCA has issued a set of guidelines called the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), which classify drones into five categories based on their weight:
– Nano: Less than or equal to 250 grams (DJI MINI-SERIES)
– Micro: Greater than 250 grams and less than or equal to 2 kg (DJI MAVIC-SERIES)
– Small: Greater than 2 kg and less than or equal to 25 kg
– Medium: Greater than 25 kg and less than or equal to 150 kg
– Large: Greater than 150 kg
Depending on the category of the drone, one has to obtain different levels of permissions and approvals from the DGCA and other authorities such as the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and the local police. The DGCA has also defined three zones for drone operations:
– Red Zone: No-fly zone, where drone operations are prohibited
– Yellow Zone: Controlled airspace, where drone operations require prior permission from the authorities
– Green Zone: Uncontrolled airspace, where drone operations are permitted with some restrictions
The DGCA has also launched a digital platform called Digital Sky, which is a single-window system for drone registration, permission, and monitoring. One can apply for a Unique Identification Number (UIN), an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP), and flight permission through this platform. The Digital Sky also provides a map of the zones and a list of dos and don’ts for drone operators.
The second step to avail a drone is to choose a suitable scheme that meets your needs and budget. Various schemes offer subsidies, discounts, loans, or grants for buying or leasing drones in India. Some of these schemes are:
– Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): This is a crop insurance scheme that covers farmers against losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. The scheme also provides incentives for using drones for crop assessment and damage estimation.
– Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): This is a scheme that aims to enhance irrigation coverage and water use efficiency in agriculture. The scheme also supports the use of drones for precision irrigation, soil mapping, and crop monitoring.
– Startup India: This is a flagship initiative of the Government of India that promotes entrepreneurship and innovation in various sectors. The initiative also provides tax benefits, funding support, mentoring, and networking opportunities for startups that are developing or using drones for various purposes.
– Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): This is an initiative of NITI Aayog that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship in India. The initiative also runs Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) and Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) that provide access to equipment, tools, mentors, and funding for innovators and entrepreneurs working on drones.
– Unnati Scheme: This is a scheme launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the AAI that aims to promote regional air connectivity and socio-economic development. The scheme also encourages the use of drones for cargo delivery, medical supplies, emergency response, and tourism.
The third step to avail a drone is to comply with the operational requirements and safety standards prescribed by the DGCA and other authorities. Some of these requirements are:
– The drone operator must have a valid UIN, UAOP, and flight permission before flying the drone
– The drone operator must maintain a visual line of sight (VLOS) with the drone at all times
– The drone operator must not fly the drone above 400 feet or beyond 500 meters from the ground station
– The drone operator must not fly the drone over populated areas, restricted areas, or near airports
– The drone operator must not fly the drone in adverse weather conditions or low visibility
– The drone operator must not fly the drone under the influence of alcohol or drugs
– The drone operator must not carry any hazardous or illegal substances or weapons on the drone
– The drone operator must respect the privacy and property rights of others
– The drone operator must report any accident or incident involving the drone to the DGCA and other authorities
The benefits of availing drones under various schemes in India are manifold. Drones can help in improving productivity, efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in various sectors. Drones can also help in reducing costs, risks, and environmental impacts of various activities. Drones can also create new opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation in India.
However, there are also some challenges and limitations of availing drones under various schemes in India. Some of these are:
– The regulatory framework for drones in India is still evolving and complex. There are multiple authorities and agencies involved in granting permissions and approvals for drones. There are also frequent changes and updates in the rules and regulations for drones.
– The availability and affordability of drones in India is still low. There are limited options and sources for buying or leasing drones in India. There are also high costs and taxes involved in importing or exporting drones in India.
– The awareness and acceptance of drones in India is still low. There are many misconceptions and fears about drones among the public and the authorities. There are also issues of security, privacy, and ethics involved in using drones in India.
Therefore, one has to be careful and responsible while availing drones under various schemes in India. One has to follow the rules and regulations, choose the right scheme, and use the drone for the right purpose. One has to also be aware of the benefits and challenges of using drones in India. By doing so, one can make the best use of drones and contribute to the development of the country.