Mumbai Police bans drones & hot air balloons for next 30 days

The Mumbai Police have imposed a 30-day ban on flying drones, paragliders, hot air balloons, and remote-controlled microlight aircraft, effective from October 31 until November 29. This ban falls under section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), with violators facing penalties u/s 223 of Bharatiya Nyay Sanita.

Authorities are concerned that these flying objects could be misused by terrorists or anti-social elements to target VVIPs and public gatherings during the upcoming elections and festivities. The ban time is coinciding with the Maharashtra Assembly Election on November 20, as well as the anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, prompting heightened security measures across the city.

However, flying activities will still be permitted for police aerial surveillance, provided there is specific approval from the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) operations.