The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has decided to regulate the use of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) like drones and would release a draft policy by next week.
The move comes after a recent sighting of a drone closer to Delhi airport sparking fears that flying them close to commercial airports might harm safety and security of people.
Sources said the draft rules –expected to be out by Tuesday or Wednesday- would ask operators of drones and other UAS to get remote pilot license.
The Indira Gandhi International Airport in the national capital was shut twice last Sunday after pilots reported spotting of drones as they approached the airport for landing. The drones spotted by pilots could have been used by photographers to take pictures of functions, especially marriage functions in banquet halls close to the airport.
Sources said the draft rules would be more stringent than those followed in other countries. It would be put out for comments from stakeholders before being finalized.
In April last year, the DGCA had issued a circular proposing to allow the use of drones and other UAS with stricter control.