Granted conditional exemption is for conducting the trials to evaluate drone spraying solution for controlling pest and diseases of sugarcane crop using drones.
Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have granted a conditional exemption to ICAR – Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research (llSR), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh for conducting the trials to evaluate drone spraying solution for controlling pest and diseases of sugarcane crop using drones.
The exemption is valid until 30th November 2021 from the date of issue of the permission letter or until the Digital Sky Platform becomes operational, whichever is earlier. This exemption shall be valid only if all conditions and limitations as stated below are strictly adhered to. In case of violation of any condition, this exemption shall become null and void and action may be initiated by MoCA & DGCA.
Conditions and limitations to the ICAR – Indian Institute of Sugarcane (IISR) Research to use Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). The llSR shall obtain necessary clearances from (a) Local Administration (b) Ministry of Defence (c) Ministry of Home Affairs (d) Air Defence Clearance from Indian Air Force (e) Airport Authority or India (AAI) and (f) Ministry of Agriculture [as applicable) prior to operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).
M s General Aeronautics engaged by llSR (through Mahindra & Mahindra ltd.) shall only operate the RPAS models specified in the approved Standard Operating procedures (SOP) No. GA/DGCA/CA0202 Revision No. Initial Issue dated 08 January 2021. The operations of the RPAS having valid Drone Acknowledgement Number (DAN) [specified in the approved SOP] shall be operated as per the above-mentioned approved SOP in the area specified therein. Any change in the approved SOP for e.g. Change in procedures or RPAS or use case or personnel or area specified in the approved SOP shall be included in the SOP and submitted to DGCA for approval.
The photographs/video-graphs, if taken through RPAS shall be used by llSR only. llSR shall be responsible for the safety and security of RPAS and data collected through RPAS. llSR shall adhere to DST Guidelines for acquiring and producing geospatial data and geospatial data services including maps (if applicable).
llSR shall ensure their 10 items are discharged or dropped during light of the RPAS. The llSR shall a so ensure that hazardous material or variable payload are not carried in/using the RPAS under any circumstances except allowed pesticides.
