Assam prohibits drone operations near Amur falcon roosting sites

A flock of Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis) flies over the Doyang in Wokha district of Nagaland, India, 10 November, 2018. Every year over a million of Amur falcons come to Nagaland for roosting before they fly off to Somalia, Kenya and South Africa. Apart from Nagaland a large number of Amur Falcons also roost in parts of Manipur, Meghalaya and Assam states. These migratory birds have one of the longest migration routes of all birds, doing up to 22,000 km in a year. Amur falcons are known to breed in southeast Russia and northern China and migrate west through India and across the Arabian Sea to southern Africa where they spend their winters, making a round-trip of at least 22,000 km every year, travelling between their breeding and wintering grounds. | Photo Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar GUWAHATIThe Assam government on Friday (November 6, 2026) banned drone operations within and around identified Amur falcon congregation sites.The order banning such operations followed reports of content creators and visitors flying drones close to congregation and roosting sites of the migratory raptors, apparently to capture photographs and videos for social media.The order, issued by the office of Assam’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, specifically prohibits unauthorised recreational, commercial and non-essential drone flying, photography and videography in and around Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) congregation and roosting sites during their seasonal presence.It also directs the Divisional Forest Officers concerned to identify and demarcate sensitive roosting areas, ensure effective monitoring and protection, and coordinate with district administrations and police authorities for enforcement. It further emphasises public awareness and sensitisation of 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,” Udayan Borthakur of Aaranyak, a biodiversity conservation group, said.“Drones equipped with high-speed rotating propellers pose a real risk of injury through accidental collisions and can also cause unnecessary disturbance. We hope this order will be strictly implemented and serve as a clear message that wildlife safety must always take precedence over social media content and personal interests,” he said.Amur Falcons migrate every year from their breeding grounds in eastern Asia to their wintering grounds in southern Africa. Assam hosts important congregation and roosting sites, notably at Umrangso in Dima Hasao district and Dharamtul in Morigaon district, where the birds gather during their seasonal passage. Published - November 07, 2026 09:16 am IST