Mysterious Drone Sightings Over Kolkata Trigger Security Concerns
Unidentified flying objects over Kolkata spark concerns as no drone permissions were issued. Investigations continue amid speculation, regulatory gaps, and growing worries over surveillance capabilities and national security threats.
Two days after reports emerged of unidentified aerial objects over Kolkata, authorities confirmed that no permissions were granted for drone activity in the area, raising serious security and regulatory concerns. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) at Kolkata airport clarified that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) eastern office had not authorised any drone flights, casting doubt over what was seen. Some officials speculated that illuminated balloons may have been mistaken for drones.
"We are curious and concerned about the reports of drone sightings. If they were indeed drones, then they were unauthorised because we did not grant permission. Flying anything anywhere close to Hastings on the edge of Fort William is illegal because that is a no-fly zone demarcated by the Home Ministry. If they were illegal drones, it would be a major concern due to the use of drones in hostility along the western border and Kolkata's proximity to the international border in the east," said a senior AAI official.
The Indian Army’s Eastern Command has launched a separate inquiry and has requested video footage from Kolkata Police to aid its investigation. An official from the Eastern Command mentioned that they are examining the matter but are not ready to disclose further developments.
The incident occurred on Monday evening when personnel from the Hastings police station reported spotting six to seven drone-like objects hovering over key zones, including Hastings, Maidan, Bhowanipore, and Rabindra Sadan. Despite the prolonged visibility, approximately 25 minutes, no formal police complaint was lodged as the drones caused no damage, and no residents reported issues.
A senior officer from Lalbazar explained that while no harm was done, the origin and intent behind the drones remain enigmatic. The drones’ extended flight duration suggests they possessed high-capacity batteries, which adds to the intrigue. Current air traffic control systems lack the sophistication to detect such low-attitude, small unmanned aerial vehicles, amplifying the need for advanced surveillance systems.
An AAI representative also noted that since the halt of medical drone deliveries between Kadamtala and Salt Lake Sector V two years ago, no drone operator has filed for operational clearance, which has further hindered the legitimate use of drones in urban logistics and civic services.
As Kolkata grapples with these cryptic aerial appearances, questions loom large over regulatory gaps, technological inadequacies, and potential vulnerabilities in national security.
