Flying UAVs, hot air balloons barred till Independence Day

New Delhi: The Delhi Police has prohibited flying of "sub-conventional aerial platforms" such as Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), hot air balloons and paragliders in the national capital from Wednesday till Independence Day.

The order will remain in force for a period of 22 days. "Certain criminal, anti-social elements or terrorists, inimical to India may pose a threat to the safety of the general public, dignitaries and vital installations by using sub-conventional aerial platforms," the order stated.

The order prohibits "flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms like paragliders, para-motors, hang-gliders, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small size powered aircraft, quadcopters or para-jumping from aircraft."

It stated that someone found violating the order would be charged under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the IPC which attracts a maximum one-month jail term and a fine.