Bad News For Social Media Influencers At Maha Kumbh 2025, They Can't Fly Drones Unless...

Preparations for 2025 Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj include strict regulations for social media influencers.

Unauthorised drone use is strictly prohibited, with exemptions granted only for police and administrative operations.

Source : PTI

Prayagraj News: As preparations for the Maha Kumbh 2025 reach their peak, the Prayagraj Commissionerate has imposed stringent restrictions to maintain law and order during the mega religious gathering. Among the measures, social media influencers — key contributors to the event's global visibility — will now need prior police approval to operate drones and adhere to strict guidelines on content sharing.

The restrictions, effective until February 28, 2025, aim to ensure public safety while addressing the growing influence of digital platforms on public sentiment and crowd behaviour.

With Maha Kumbh 2025 expecting millions of visitors to Prayagraj, the administration said, the measures aim to ensure a peaceful and well-organised event, prioritising crowd management and public safety. 

Drone Usage Requires Police Approval

With drones being a popular tool for influencers to capture aerial footage of the sprawling Kumbh Mela, authorities have mandated that influencers and content creators obtain prior permission from the police before flying drones within the Prayagraj Commissionerate area. Unauthorised drone use is strictly prohibited, with exemptions granted only for police and administrative operations.

In addition to drone regulations, influencers and general social media users must follow strict guidelines regarding the content they post on social media. Sharing or forwarding rumours, provocative posts, or sensitive visuals that could incite unrest or hurt religious sentiments is strictly prohibited.  

Prayagraj | In view of #MahaKumbh2025, Prayagraj Commissiobnerate issues prohibitory orders till February 28.

The order has been issued against holding any kind of procession or protest, use of drones, possession of weapons, making inflammatory speeches, and spreading rumours… pic.twitter.com/7Yh5u3ePnd

— ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025

Additional Prohibitions

Apart from social media-focused measures, the Prayagraj Commissionerate has also banned unapproved protests, gatherings, and public processions. No individual can organise, lead, or participate in any procession, protest, march, or blockade without prior approval from competent authorities. Public gatherings and promotions for such activities are also prohibited.

Demonstrations can only take place at the designated protest site near Patthar Girja Church in the Civil Lines area. 

Carrying weapons, including sticks and spears (with exceptions disabled individuals and the Sikh community), and firearms are banned too. 

The prohibitory order also addresses public transport and property. People have been cautioned against interfering with or damaging UPSRTC buses or other public vehicles. Blocking public roads, disrupting traffic, or hindering transportation is also strictly banned. No individual or group may damage private or government property or obstruct industrial or commercial establishments, shops, government offices, or factories.