Govt nods usage of drones for 10 firms for various purposes

18 Aug 2021 CW Team

Mahindra and Mahindra Limited have got permission from MoCA to conduct drone-based agricultural trials and utilise drones for accurate spraying on paddy and hot pepper crops in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The ministry said that the Gujarat-based Blue Ray aviation and Telangana-based Asia Pacific flight training academy (APFTAL) has got permission to conduct remote pilot training using drones.

The ministry said that Bayer Crop Science (BCS) has got permission from MoCA to conduct drone-based agricultural research activities and use drones for agricultural spraying.

The national health mission in Mumbai has also got permission to conduct experimental beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone flights to deliver necessary healthcare items in tribal regions of Maharashtra's Jawhar in the Palghar district.

As per the ministry's statement, Gangtok smart city development Limited (GSCDL) has got permission for a drone-based aerial survey for its smart city project.

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has been permitted to use drones to conduct steel plant's perimeter surveillance in Burnpur, West Bengal.

Chennai-based Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE) has got permission to conduct drone-based aerial spraying to evaluate crop health and prevent crop disease.

The ministry asked the Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) to conduct atmospheric research at five different locations in the country.

It has given a conditional exemption to 10 organisations from the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) Rules, 2021, and it is valid for a year from the approval date or until further orders, the ministry said.

Image Source

Also read: Ministry of Aviation issues draft rules to ease drone usage in India

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has granted conditional permission for drone usage to 10 organisations for various purposes. The ministry told the media that the Government of Karnataka (GoK) is one of the ten organisations, and it has received permission to conduct a drone-based aerial survey for generating urban property ownership records in Bengaluru. Mahindra and Mahindra Limited have got permission from MoCA to conduct drone-based agricultural trials and utilise drones for accurate spraying on paddy and hot pepper crops in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The ministry said that the Gujarat-based Blue Ray aviation and Telangana-based Asia Pacific flight training academy (APFTAL) has got permission to conduct remote pilot training using drones. The ministry said that Bayer Crop Science (BCS) has got permission from MoCA to conduct drone-based agricultural research activities and use drones for agricultural spraying. The national health mission in Mumbai has also got permission to conduct experimental beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone flights to deliver necessary healthcare items in tribal regions of Maharashtra's Jawhar in the Palghar district. As per the ministry's statement, Gangtok smart city development Limited (GSCDL) has got permission for a drone-based aerial survey for its smart city project. Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has been permitted to use drones to conduct steel plant's perimeter surveillance in Burnpur, West Bengal. Chennai-based Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE) has got permission to conduct drone-based aerial spraying to evaluate crop health and prevent crop disease. The ministry asked the Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) to conduct atmospheric research at five different locations in the country. It has given a conditional exemption to 10 organisations from the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) Rules, 2021, and it is valid for a year from the approval date or until further orders, the ministry said. Image Source Also read: Ministry of Aviation issues draft rules to ease drone usage in India

Resources

03 Jun 2026

Jyoti Structures Launches Heat Safety Drive Across Sites

Jyoti Structures (JSL) has strengthened heat safety measures across its project sites and manufacturing facilities as temperatures rise across India. The company has implemented a Summer Safety Plan covering all transmission line projects to address risks related to heat stress, dehydration and worker fatigue.The initiative includes rescheduling work away from peak afternoon temperatures, provision of drinking water, ORS and lemon-salt solutions, and installation of rest shelters near work areas. Daily toolbox talks, worker health monitoring, first-aid preparedness, emergency transport arrange..

Real Estate

03 Jun 2026

MHADA Declares 82 Buildings Most Dangerous in Central and South Mumbai

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has declared 82 buildings as most dangerous across Central and South Mumbai and has appealed to residents to vacate immediately. The list, prepared after structural assessments by the authority, identifies buildings judged to pose imminent risk to occupants and to passersby. Local civic bodies have been asked to coordinate evacuations and to make arrangements for temporary shelter and rehabilitation for displaced households. Officials said the authority prioritised buildings with visible structural distress, severe cracking, tiltin..

Infrastructure Transport

03 Jun 2026

Damage Reported At Halwara Airport Terminal After First Rains

Severe damage was reported at the terminal of Halwara Airport during the first major rain spell of the season, prompting immediate concern among aviation and local authorities. Images from the site showed water ingress and visible deterioration of the terminal interior, affecting passenger areas and ancillary services. The airport authority suspended certain operations temporarily to assess structural safety and ensure passenger wellbeing. Preliminary inspections have prioritised electrical systems and roof seals to prevent further water ingress. State aviation officials ordered a formal inqui..