Flying drones in and around Pathibhara, a famous temple in the Taplejung district, has been banned.

Taking pictures and producing other materials using drones in the area has been prohibited in view of the area being religious and cultural heritage, security sensitivity, airway disturbances and individual secrecy, says the Pathibhara Area Development Committee on a notice.

One has to take permission from the respective sector for these activities, says the Committee Chairperson Rakki Thebe.

According to the UAV flying procedures issued in 2015, flying drones around and within one kilometre of religious and cultural heritage threatening security, airway service and individual privacy has been banned.

The activity is allowed only after the respective person or organisation applies to the office concerned along with a recommendation from the respective ministry after acquiring permission from the Home Ministery, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.