Assam bans drone flights over Amur falcon roosts after safety concerns

Assam's forest department has prohibited all drone operations around identified Amur falcon congregation and roosting sites. The order, issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, bars unauthorised recreational, commercial and non‑essential drone flying, photography and videography during the birds' seasonal presence. It follows reports of content creators and visitors using drones to capture footage for social media near the raptors. The directive asks Divisional Forest Officers to mark sensitive roosting areas, monitor them closely and work with district administrations and police for enforcement. It also calls for public awareness programmes aimed at tourists, photographers, content creators and local communities. "Amur falcons are remarkable migratory birds, and their congregation sites in Assam are important stopover locations during their extraordinary annual journey. While photography and videography can play an important role in promoting wildlife appreciation, these activities must never compromise the safety of the birds," said Udayan Borthakur of the conservation group Aaranyak. He added that drones with fast‑spinning propellers can cause injury through accidental collisions and disturb the birds. The ban covers key sites such as Umrangso in Dima Hasao district and Dharamtul in Morigaon district, where thousands of falcons gather before heading to their wintering grounds in southern Africa. Amur falcons breed in southeast Russia and northern China, travel up to 22,000 km each year and pass through several Indian states, including Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland. ## Context Amur falcons undertake one of the longest bird migrations on the planet, making India a crucial stop‑over for rest and feeding. Disruptions at roosting sites can affect their energy reserves and survival during the 22,000‑km round trip.