Flying of sub-conventional aerial vehicles prohibited ahead of I-Day

With less than three weeks left for Independence Day, the Delhi Police are taking necessary measures to ensure the Capital's safety and make sure the celebrations run smoothly.

Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik has issued an order on Tuesday prohibiting flying of sub-conventional aerial vehicles over the jurisdiction of Delhi and its neighboring cities.

Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik stated that there were reports of criminal, anti-social elements or terrorists, which might pose as a threat to India and its citizens by using sub-conventional aerial vehicles such as para-gliders, para-motors, hang-gliders, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), unmanned aerial system services (UASs), micro-light aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air-balloons, small-sized powered aircraft, quadcopters, para-jumping and more.

Therefore, in view of this threat, Patnaik stated that he exercised the powers conferred to him by Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 read with Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi.  The order comes into force from 25th July i.e. today till the 15th of August unless withdrawn earlier, he stated.

Senior officials said that the order by the Delhi Police Commissioner has been issued by keeping in mind the celebrations at the Red Fort. There are intelligence suggesting  certain terrorist groups may launch an aerial attack to disrupt the celebrations during Prime Minister's address to the nation. Apart from banning all type of flying objects, others security measures have been taken to ensure a water tight security in and around the historic Mughal era structure.