Conditional exemption to ICMR for BVLOS drone operations

**Executive Summary** This document, dated September 10, 2021, from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, grants a conditional exemption from Drone Rules, 2021 to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The exemption permits ICMR to conduct experimental Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) vaccine delivery using drones in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Manipur, and Nagaland up to 3000 meters. The exemption is valid for one year from the date of airspace clearance approval or until further orders. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Exemption Grant:** * The Central Government grants a conditional exemption from Drone Rules, 2021 to ICMR. * This exemption is specifically for experimental BVLOS vaccine delivery via drones. * The designated areas for the project are Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Manipur, and Nagaland. * Drones can be used up to a height of 3000 meters. * **Conditions & Validity:** * The exemption is conditional and subject to terms of the airspace clearance. * Airspace clearance must be obtained by ICMR from the Airports Authority of India (AAI). * The exemption is valid for one year from the date of airspace clearance approval. * Validity can also end if superseded by further orders. * **Background:** * ICMR applied for the exemption via email on August 31, 2021. * The exemption is granted under the powers conferred by Rule 48 of the Drone Rules, 2021. **Impact Analysis** **ICMR ('the Applicant')** * **Impact:** ICMR is granted permission to conduct experimental BVLOS vaccine delivery via drones, facilitating research and potential healthcare delivery improvements in remote areas. * **Action Required:** Obtain airspace clearance from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and adhere to the terms and conditions of said clearance. **Airports Authority of India (AAI)** * **Impact:** Responsible for processing and approving airspace clearance for ICMR's drone operations. * **Action Required:** Review ICMR's application for airspace clearance and approve it according to established regulations. **All Ministries/ Departments of the Government of India, Chief Secretaries/ Administrators of all States/ Union Territories, DGPs/Heads of Police of all States/ Union Territories, Additional Secretary (Internal Security), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), New Delhi, Joint Director, Intelligence Bureau (Shri Janardan Singh), New Delhi, Director, G-Wing, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi, Gp Cpt K.B. Mathews, Air Headquarters, IAF, New Delhi, DG, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), New Delhi, DG, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), New Delhi, Chairman, Airports Authority of India (AAI), New Delhi, PS to HMOSCA (IC), Ministry of Civil Aviation, New Delhi, Sr. PPS to Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, New Delhi, National Informatics Centre (NIC) team, Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan, New Delhi, Digital Sky Platform** * **Impact:** Informed about the conditional exemption granted to ICMR for drone operations. * **Action Required:** Note the exemption and provide necessary cooperation and support to ensure the safe and efficient conduct of the experimental BVLOS vaccine delivery, if necessary.

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