Delhi Police have banned the use of drones and other aerial platforms in the capital from Aug. 2 to Aug. 16 [1].
The restriction is a security measure to prevent potential attacks during national celebrations. Authorities said they are acting on intelligence inputs suggesting that terrorists or anti-social elements could misuse these devices to compromise safety in the city [2].
Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar led the initiative to secure the airspace. The ban covers a wide range of equipment, including unmanned aerial vehicles, paragliders, and hot-air balloons [2, 3].
The prohibition lasts for 15 days [1]. It specifically encompasses the Independence Day celebrations held on Aug. 15 [3].
To enforce these restrictions, officials invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 [1]. This legal provision allows the police to impose immediate restrictions in the interest of public safety.
Security agencies have increased surveillance across Delhi to ensure compliance with the order. The move follows a pattern of heightened vigilance in the capital during high-profile national events, a strategy intended to mitigate risks from non-traditional aerial threats [2, 3].
“Delhi Police have banned the use of drones and other aerial platforms in the capital.”
The use of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) highlights the transition to new legal frameworks for public order in India. By banning low-altitude aerial platforms, the Delhi Police are addressing the evolving nature of urban security threats, where commercially available drones can be repurposed for surveillance or delivery of harmful payloads in densely populated areas.
