Flying of drones, para-gliding banned

Suspecting an aerial attack on Mumbai, the city police on Wednesday issued an order banning all flying activities by drones, para-gliders or remote controlled aircrafts. This ban was brought in place citing the use of such objects and devices by terrorist or anti-social elements.

The order that was passed by deputy commissioner of police (Operations), Sanjay Barkund on Tuesday, will be in place for a month starting April 5 and will end on May 4.

Stating that it would be carried out across the city, the order stated, “No flying activities of drone controlled by remote or through control area missile or using para-gliders or through remote control micro-light aircraft will be allowed in the jurisdiction of Mumbai...”

The order further stated that the terrorist groups may attack by using drones or use paragliding as way of transportation or entering the city. “Terrorist/antisocial elements may attack through drones controlled by remote or CAM or may attack using para-gliders or micro-light aircrafts and it is necessary that checks be put in place on such activities,” the order read. It also said that there is a likelihood of breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquility and a grave danger to human life, health, safety and injury to public property.

When contacted, Mr Barkund said that the notice was a routine exercise. “There is a chance that there may be such a threat and to prevent an attack using these devices we have issued the order.”

The order allows Mumbai police to use drones and aircrafts for aerial surveillance and states that anybody found using such devices will be punished under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.