Ban on hot-air balloons, UAVs till tomorrow due to Independence day security

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address from the Red Fort, the Delhi Police banned flying of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and hot-air balloons amid increasing threat from drones. A multi-layered security consisting of NSG snipers, anti-drone mechanism and SWAT commandos will be deployed for the Independence Day celebrations on Sunday, said officials.

“Flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms like para-gliders, para-motors, hang gliders, UAVs, micro light aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small size powered aircraft, quadcopters or para-jumping from aircraft etc. are prohibited over the jurisdiction of National Capital Territory of Delhi up to August 16,” said the order.

Union home ministry officials said anti-drone systems have also been installed at the Red Fort in view of the recent terrorist attack at the Indian Air Force station at Jammu airport, where Pakistan-based terrorists used drones to strike the vital installation in the first such incident in the country.


India’s Olympic contingent will be special guests at the Red Fort on Sunday, they said.