New Delhi: Delhi Police on Friday issued an order restricting flying of para-gliders, para-motors, hang-gliders, UAVs, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-sized powered aircraft, quadcopters or para-jumping from aircraft in the national capital from July 22 to August 16, news agency ANI reported. The order was issued in view of public safety ahead of Independence Day.
“It has been reported that certain criminal, anti-social elements or terrorists inimical to India may pose a threat to the safety of general public, dignitaries or vital installations by the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms like para-gliders, para-motors, hang-gliders, UAVs, UASS, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-sized powered aircraft quadcopters or para-jumping from aircraft,” the Delhi Police order read.
The Delhi police order was issued under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
“Now, therefore, I, Sanjay Arora, Commissioner of Police, Delhi…hereby prohibit flying of para-gliders, para-motors, hang-gliders, UAVs, UASS, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-sized powered aircraft quadcopters or para-jumping from aircraft over the jurisdiction of NCT of Delhi on the occasion of Independence Day Celebrations 2023 and doing so shall be punishable under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code,” the order further said.
It is to be noted that a similar order was issued in view of public safety ahead of Republic Day. The restriction was in force for a period of 29 days, starting from January 18 to February 15.