In a decisive move to strengthen the security of one of India’s most revered Mandirs, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has declared the Shree Jagannath Mandir in Puri a ‘Red Zone’ for a period of three years, effective until September 25, 2028. This action aims to prevent unauthorised drone flights and enhance aerial security around the 12th-century shrine that attracts millions of devotees annually.
Speaking on the development, Puri Superintendent of Police (SP) Prateek Singh stated, “The DGCA has officially declared the Puri Srimandir and its adjacent areas as a Red Zone for three years. No object, including drones, can be flown within this restricted airspace. Many drones today are programmed to automatically avoid red zones, but unauthorised operators often bypass such systems. Strict legal action will be taken against any violation.”
Authorities have also deployed anti-drone systems capable of detecting, intercepting, and neutralising any rogue drones attempting to enter the restricted area. These advanced counter-drone devices will help prevent aerial intrusions and ensure the safety of both devotees and temple property.
SP Singh added that the Odisha Police had earlier submitted a formal proposal to the DGCA through the Ministry of Transport and Communication, requesting a higher level of airspace protection for the shrine. Acting on this proposal, the DGCA appointed nodal officers to conduct a technical survey of the temple’s airspace. Based on their recommendations, the DGCA issued a notification on September 25, officially designating the Srimandir and its surroundings as a Red Zone.
According to official sources, the DGCA’s latest notification upgrades the temple’s earlier “No-Fly Zone” status to a more stringent “Red Zone” category, imposing comprehensive airspace restrictions in and around the temple. The decision follows repeated instances of unauthorised drone sightings over the temple premises in recent months, raising serious concerns about potential security threats.
Under the new classification, no unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including drones, can be operated over or near the Jagannath Temple without prior clearance from the DGCA. The updated airspace map now marks the entire temple complex and its adjoining areas as a high-security zone. The DGCA has also mandated that all drone operators must possess a valid Unique Identification Number (UIN) and obtain special permission to fly within the restricted radius.
The Red Zone classification will remain valid until September 25, 2028, unless renewed or modified by the aviation regulator. Any unauthorised aerial activity — including drone photography or surveillance — within the zone will attract strict penalties under India’s civil aviation and national security laws.
This decision comes in the wake of multiple reported incidents this year, where drones were spotted hovering over the temple despite existing restrictions. Residents and devotees had raised concerns, prompting authorities to intensify aerial surveillance and monitoring.
Officials stated that the new Red Zone status would help ensure a safer environment during major events, particularly the world-famous Ratha Jatra, when lakhs of devotees gather in Puri. The DGCA’s move reflects a growing nationwide concern over drone misuse near sensitive and high-security installations.
With enhanced aerial surveillance, legal enforcement, and public awareness initiatives, authorities aim to prevent future breaches and preserve the sanctity and security of the centuries-old Shree Jagannath Temple, a site revered not only in Odisha but across the globe.
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