Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh Rank Low in Drone Registrations Despite Policy Push

Fresh data presented in Parliament has revealed that Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are lagging behind in the adoption of civilian drones, despite the Centre’s push to liberalise India’s drone ecosystem. As of January 31, 2026, Madhya Pradesh had only 480 registered drones, while neighbouring Chhattisgarh reported just 161.

According to a written reply tabled in the Lok Sabha, Madhya Pradesh currently ranks 13th nationally in drone registrations. The figures have drawn attention to the uneven pace of drone penetration across Indian states, particularly in regions where drones could support agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, and rural development.

Responding to a question raised by MP Sajda Ahmed, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol outlined the Centre’s regulatory and promotional framework for civilian drone operations. He noted that the government introduced the Drone Rules, 2021, to ensure safe, secure, and streamlined use of unmanned aircraft systems across the country.

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The minister highlighted that amendments made in 2023 and 2024 further simplified compliance requirements. Key changes included removing the mandatory passport requirement for Remote Pilot Certificates and easing norms related to drone registration and transfer, steps aimed at encouraging wider adoption.

The government also emphasised that nearly 90 percent of India’s airspace has been designated as a “Green Zone”, allowing drones to operate without prior permission. Additionally, a Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems was notified in 2022 to create a globally aligned validation framework.

To curb misuse, the Centre has mandated Unique Identification Numbers (UIN), valid Remote Pilot Certificates, DGCA-authorised training institutions, and strict restrictions on the carriage of hazardous payloads. Officials maintain that while the regulatory environment has been liberalised, states must accelerate on-ground adoption to fully leverage the technology’s developmental potential.

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