No drones over Delhi till August 16 as police tighten security for Independence Day
Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued the order as part of enhanced security arrangements for the August 15 celebrations.
Ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, the Delhi Police has imposed a blanket ban on the operation of drones and several other small aerial platforms across the national capital from August 2 to August 16, citing heightened security concerns.
Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued the order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, as part of enhanced security arrangements for the August 15 celebrations. The restrictions will remain in force until August 16.
According to the order, the prohibition covers a wide range of aerial platforms, including drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)/Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), quadcopters, remotely piloted aircraft, paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, microlight aircraft, small powered aircraft, hot air balloons, and para-jumping from aircraft.
The Delhi Police said the decision was taken based on intelligence inputs suggesting that anti-social elements or terrorist groups could misuse such aerial platforms to pose a threat to public safety, VIPs, and vital government installations during the Independence Day period.
Officials said the restrictions are purely preventive and aimed at ensuring foolproof security in the capital during one of the country's most significant national events. Security arrangements across Delhi are expected to be intensified in the days leading up to Independence Day, with additional surveillance and deployment of personnel at key locations.
The police have also warned that anyone found in violation of the order will face legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which addresses disobedience of an order duly promulgated by a public servant.
The order will come into effect on August 2 and remain valid until August 16, covering the entire Independence Day security period in the national capital.
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