Guwahati: Assam government has banned unauthorised recreational, commercial and non-essential drone flying, photography and videography in and around identified migratory Amur Falcon congregation and roosting sites for as long as the migratory birds are present.The order was issued by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Dr Vinay Gupta cites the arrival of a large number of the Amur Falcons (Falco amurensis) at Umrangso in Dima Hasao district and Dharamtul in Morigaon district.It says the birds’ undisturbed resting, feeding and migratory movement must be ensured. Unregulated drone operations near these sites may seriously disturb the birds, including by causing collisions and disrupting their natural behaviour, it adds.Announcing the move on social media, state environment and forest minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said, “Every year, Amur Falcons travel thousands of kilometres to Assam as our seasonal winged guests. This season, over one lakh birds have arrived, with Umrangso in Dima Hasao and Dharamtul in Morigaon serving as important roosting sites. Ensuring their safety is our collective responsibility.”He added that forest officials have also been directed to strengthen protection measures and public awareness and urged all tourists, photographers, content creators and local residents to strictly adhere to these directions and avoid disturbing the birds’ natural activities to “extend our hospitality to these winged visitors by ensuring their safe and undisturbed migration.”The order says unregulated drone operations near the sites may seriously disturb the birds, including by causing collisions and disrupting their natural behaviour. The birds’ undisturbed resting, feeding and migratory movement must be ensured, it adds.Besides the ban on drones, divisional forest officers have been asked to identify and demarcate sensitive roosting areas and ensure effective monitoring and protection and coordinate with district administrations and police to enforce the restrictions, including by declaring temporary no-drone zones wherever required under the applicable rules.The directions remain in force during the seasonal presence of the Amur Falcons at the identified sites.Conservation organisation Aaranyak has urged local authorities to restrict recreational and commercial drone flights around the main Amur Falcon congregation sites in Assam, where more than 1 lakh migratory birds have arrived.Aaranyak said the birds, which travel about 20,000 km from East Asia towards Southern Africa, need safe places to rest and feed. Unregulated drones can cause serious disturbance, including collision risks from spinning propellers and panic among flocks. Repeated disturbance can interrupt essential resting and feeding and add stress on the birds, it said.
