In a sweeping move to enhance public security and preempt potential threats, the Uttar Pradesh government has issued a statewide directive prohibiting all forms of photography and videography at critical public infrastructure and sensitive locations, including railway stations, bus terminals, and government buildings. The order, issued by the state’s Home Department, is part of a broader security revamp aimed at tightening surveillance and safeguarding high-risk areas.
Officials say the directive is rooted in intelligence assessments that flagged growing risks from digital surveillance, misuse of public footage, and the potential exploitation of social media content by hostile elements. The ban applies to both civilians and content creators, including vloggers, without explicit prior permission from competent authorities.
“This is a preventive measure designed to reduce vulnerabilities at locations that are considered soft targets. The aim is not to inconvenience the public, but to minimize the risk of information leakage and safeguard public infrastructure,” a senior official from the Department of Home Security said on condition of anonymity.
Surveillance to be Intensified
In addition to the photography ban, security is being enhanced through the deployment of additional personnel and advanced CCTV systems. Railway Protection Force (RPF), local police, and intelligence units have been instructed to monitor compliance and swiftly act against violators under applicable legal provisions. Authorities are particularly focused on metro and railway stations in cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur, and Prayagraj, where footfall remains high and security risks are elevated.
Government sources said the ban could be enforced for an indefinite period, depending on threat assessments and ongoing national security evaluations.
Sensitive Zones Under the Scanner
Apart from transport hubs, the ban extends to religious sites of strategic importance, power stations, military-adjacent zones, and administrative buildings. Officials emphasized that while citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and information are respected, public safety in a time of evolving digital threats necessitates these restrictions.
The move is not without precedent. Similar restrictions have been implemented during high-security events and at installations deemed vital to national security. However, the statewide nature of the directive in UP signals a significant escalation in precautionary governance.
Public Response Mixed
Reactions from the public have been mixed. While some commuters expressed understanding and support for the initiative, citing safety concerns, others—particularly content creators and rail enthusiasts—voiced frustration, calling the move excessive.
The government, meanwhile, has assured that the directive will be reviewed periodically and adjusted in line with security developments.
As India continues to face hybrid threats in the digital age, experts suggest that such policies may become more common in state security frameworks, marking a shift toward preventive surveillance and content control in public spaces.
