The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Saturday, declared the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri a Red Zone, or a no-fly zone for three years or until September 25, 2028. The restriction will apply to unmanned aircraft such as drones, which can pose a significant security challenge.
The DGCA move comes after repeated sightings of unauthorised drone flights over the temple premises.
While the temple area had previously been declared a No-Flying Zone, the new Red Zone status will impose stricter airspace restrictions. Sources reported that authorities have also deployed anti-drone devices capable of intercepting and neutralising rogue drones entering the restricted airspace.
"The DGCA has declared the Puri Srimandir and its adjacent areas as a red zone for a period of three year