PANAJI: North Goa District Magistrate Ankit Yadav has declared Lok Bhavan, including the coastline and surrounding area within a 500-metre radius, a “No-Fly Zone” for all unauthorised drones.
The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, has been passed to ensure the safety and security of the Governor and the protected premises.
The decision follows a report submitted by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Panaji, after unidentified drones were spotted over the Lok Bhavan premises on two occasions. According to the order, an unidentified drone was observed flying over the Chapel of Lok Bhavan at 10.30 pm on July 12 and subsequently over the Lok Bhavan campus at 12.02 pm on July 15.
The SDPO informed the District Magistrate that the flying of an unauthorised drone in the Lok Bhavan area posed a significant threat to the safety and security of the Governor. The SDPO subsequently requested that Lok Bhavan, including the coastline and surrounding area within a 500-metre radius, be declared a no-fly zone for unauthorised drones.
Acting on the request, Yadav declared the designated area a “No-Fly Zone”, stating that the measure was necessary in the interest of the Governor’s safety and security and the protection of the premises. The order was issued on July 24, 2026, and will remain in force for 60 days from the date of issue, unless withdrawn earlier.
The District Magistrate has warned that anyone contravening the order will be punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
