Amid rising global tensions involving Iran, the US and Israel, and concerns over natural gas supplies, security has been stepped up around major natural gas pipelines passing through Patiala and its adjoining districts.The district administration of Patiala has, from Tuesday, also banned the flying of drones near the pipeline network of GAIL (India) Limited to safeguard critical infrastructure supplying gas to several states.In an order issued by Additional District Magistrate Simarpreet Kaur, the operation of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles has been prohibited in areas surrounding the GAIL natural gas pipeline network in the district, including locations near Rajpura and other sensitive installations.The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, states that the restriction have been imposed considering the strategic importance of the pipeline. The district administration has said that the move is aimed at preventing potential security threat to vital energy infrastructure.According to the directive, no person or organisation will be allowed to operate drones in the notified areas without prior permission from the district administration. Any violation of the order will invite strict legal action under relevant provisions of law.Officials of the police, civil administration and other enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order.The restrictions will remain in force from March 24 to May 23, 2026, unless modified or withdrawn earlier by the district authorities.