Police ban drones in Visakhapatnam ahead of fleet review

VISHAKAPATNAM: City Police have banned private use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs), more popularly known as drones, from tomorrow as part of security arrangement for the upcoming International Fleet Review (IFR) here.

Police have prohibited all non-governmental agencies, organisations and individuals from launching drones in the city's airspace from January 27 to February 9.

Addressing the media this evening, Police Commissioner Amit Garg said drones will pose a security threat and hence their private use has been banned in view of IFR, which will be held in the port city from February 4 to 9.

Rehearsals for IFR, which will see participation of Navies from several countries, will begin from January 27.

Over 15,000 security personnel along with those drawn from National Security Guard (NSG), Special Protection Group (SPG) and paramilitary forces will be guarding the coastal city during IFR, which will be attended by many VVIPs and international delegates, he said.