GUWAHATI: With over one lakh Amur Falcons arriving in Assam this year, the state’s Forest Department has restricted unauthorised drone operations around identified congregation and roosting sites to ensure the safety of the migratory birds.
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The Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife & Chief Wildlife Warden, Assam, issued an order on Friday, November 6, prohibiting unauthorised recreational, commercial and non-essential drone flying, photography and videography around the identified sites during the birds’ seasonal stay.
“In view of the arrival of a large number of migratory Amur Falcons (Falco amurensis) in Assam, it is imperative to ensure their undisturbed resting, feeding and migratory movement. Unregulated drone operations in the vicinity of these sites may cause serious disturbance to the birds, including collision risks and disruption of their natural behaviour,” the order stated.
The order also directs Divisional Forest Officers to identify and demarcate sensitive roosting areas and ensure effective monitoring and protection. They have also been asked to coordinate with district administrations and police authorities to enforce the restrictions, including the declaration of temporary No-Drone Zones wherever required.
Umrangso in Dima Hasao district and Dharamtul in Morigaon district are among the important congregation and roosting sites for the migratory birds, Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also welcomed the arrival of the migratory birds, highlighting their remarkable annual migration.
“Our skies have special guests again. The Amur Falcons are back in Assam! Weighing just 150 grams, they fly 22,000 km a year from Mongolia to Africa and back. They can fly 6,000 km non-stop and cross 3,000 km of open sea in under 80 hours, yet they never miss their stopovers,” the Chief Minister said in a social media post on X.
“As they refuel here, let's give them space and safe skies,” he added.
