Flying of drones, microlight aircraft, hot air balloons banned in Delhi ahead of Independence Day

New Delhi, July 16

Delhi Police Commissioner Balaji Shrivastav issued an order banning flying of drones, microlight aircrafts and hot air balloons in Delhi till August 15, the Independence Day.

According to a circular issued by the Delhi Police Commissioner Balaji Srivastava, the order comes into force from today, and shall remain in force for a period of 32 days up to August 16 unless withdrawn earlier.

"It has been reported that certain criminal, anti-social elements or terrorists inimical to India may pose a threat to the safety of the general public, dignitaries and vital installations by the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms like para-gliders, para-motors, hang-gliders, UAVS, UASS, microlight aircrafts, remotely piloted aircrafts, hot air balloons, small sized powered aircraft, quadcopters or even by para-jumping from aircraft etc," the order read.

Using such aerial vehicles shall be punishable under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, the order stated.

The circular was issued following strict security measures being taken ahead of the I Day and recent incidents of drones spotting in Kashmir.