Drone, UAV ban imposed across Delhi ahead of Independence Day

New Delhi: Delhi Police has prohibited the flying of drones, UAVs, hot air balloons, para-gliders and other sub-conventional aerial platforms across the national capital for 15 days ahead of Independence Day celebrations, citing security concerns.

In an order issued on Friday, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar said intelligence inputs indicated that criminal, anti-social elements or terrorists inimical to India could use such aerial platforms to pose a threat to the general public, dignitaries and vital installations.

The order prohibits the operation of para-gliders, para-motors, hang-gliders, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-sized powered aircraft, quadcopters and para-jumping from aircraft across the National Capital Territory of Delhi.


The restrictions have been imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and violation of the order will attract action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the order said.

According to the notification, the prohibitory order will come into force from August 2 and remain in effect till August 16, covering the Independence Day celebrations in the national capital.

The order said it was being issued as a preventive measure and would be publicised through police stations and other government offices across Delhi.