Pune, June 18, 2025 — In light of the annual Palkhi procession, the Pune city administration has issued a temporary ban on the use of drones within city limits from June 20 to June 23, citing security and crowd management concerns. The decision comes ahead of the major religious event which draws lakhs of devotees and significantly increases foot traffic in the city.
The Palkhi procession, a revered tradition of the Warkari sect, marks the annual pilgrimage (wari) to Pandharpur, where devotees carry palanquins (palkhis) of revered saints like Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj. The procession, which spans several days and districts, passes through Pune, making it a focal point of the yatra’s security and logistical planning.
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed that drone usage will be strictly prohibited over the city, especially near key Palkhi routes including Deccan, Shivajinagar, Hadapsar, and Alandi Road, which typically witness large gatherings. The notification issued under Section 144 of the CrPC highlights that violators may face legal action under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Aircraft Act.
“The large number of pilgrims expected during this period necessitates heightened security measures. Unauthorized drone activity poses a serious threat to both safety and surveillance operations. The ban is a preventive step to avoid any untoward incidents,” said Commissioner Kumar.
The authorities are also urging citizens to cooperate and refrain from flying drones, even for recreational or content creation purposes, during this sensitive period. The restriction is also applicable to professional videographers, vloggers, and event photographers unless explicitly authorized by law enforcement agencies.
Over 7,000 police personnel, including units from the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), Home Guards, and special task units, will be deployed to maintain order throughout the city. Traffic diversions and crowd control mechanisms have also been announced, with emphasis on emergency response readiness and first-aid stations along the key procession routes.
The administration has further advised residents and tourists to plan travel accordingly and remain updated on traffic advisories. Local authorities, along with volunteers from the Warkari community, will facilitate the smooth conduct of the event.
The drone ban in Pune aligns with similar restrictions enforced during large public gatherings across India, where airspace control becomes crucial in safeguarding people and infrastructure. It also underscores growing concerns around unauthorized aerial surveillance, data privacy, and potential security breaches.
As the city prepares to host this spiritually significant event, officials assure that all steps are being taken to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for devotees and citizens alike.
