Varanasi Declared 'No-Flying' Zone Till November 16, Here's Why

Varanasi News: The restriction came into force at 12 am on November 12 and will be in place till November 16 midnight.

Varanasi has been declared no-flying zone till November 16.

Source : PTI

Varanasi has been declared a "no-fly" zone ahead of Dev Deepawali celebrations in the city on November 15, said the police on Wednesday. 

The restrictions under the existing section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita came under force on November 12 at 12 am and will be in effect till midnight of November 16, as per an order issued by Additional Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Shivasimpi Channappa, reported PTI. 

The directive notes the importance of ensuring robust security and maintaining law and order due to the anticipated influx of lakhs of devotees, local residents, and various VIPs for the festival. 

"To manage the crowd and the movement of dignitaries, the use of drones, kites, balloons, remote-operated microlight aircraft, and paragliders is strictly prohibited without prior authorisation. This precautionary measure has been implemented to mitigate any potential security risks associated with such aerial objects," the directive stated.

As per tradition, Dev Deepawali is celebrated 15 days after Diwali on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik. The festival marks the victory of Lord Shiva over the formidable demon Tripurasura. 

Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) section 163 (power to issue order in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger) has replaced Section 144 of the erstwhile CrPC.