High level security measures in Delhi.
Security In Delhi: Prohibitory orders banning drones and laser beam activities in the funnel area falling within the approach path of flights to the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi have been imposed by the Delhi Police.
The measures have been implemented because of the VVIP aircraft activity at Delhi airport and the Prime Minister’s oath-taking ceremony. Also, sources say that it has been done keeping in view the political developments in the national capital.
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Duration And Reason Behind The Ban
The order came into effect with effect from June 1 and shall remain in force up to July 30 (both dates inclusive).
The Air Traffic Control at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi has reported several incidents where pilots’ vision was distracted by laser beams, particularly during the landing of aircraft. This issue is not just a nuisance but also poses a risk to the safety and security of passengers, crew, and aircraft, according to ANI reports.
“And whereas, it has been found that a number of farms houses, banquets, hotels, restaurants, etc. have come up in and around the jurisdiction of IGI Airport wherein a lot of lights, including laser beams, are used on the celebration of marriages, parties and different events held therein, which is a source of nuisance in general and cause of vision distraction to the pilots in particular,” reads the order.
Risks Posed By Laser Beams
The order also states that currently, there are no specific rules and regulations governing the use of laser beams, particularly in open spaces during nighttime. It emphasizes the urgent need for measures to safeguard human life, ensure the safety of aircraft, and mitigate the nuisance caused by the operation of laser beams in the vicinity of IGI Airport, New Delhi.
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Aerial Terrorist Attacks Using Drones, UAVs
An additional directive concerning the prohibition of drones within airport boundaries states that there have been consistent reports, supported by reliable intelligence, indicating that terrorists may execute attacks using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), such as drones, paragliders, hang gliders, UAVs, and aeromodels. Consequently, the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by the general public, including drones, paragliders, and aeromodels, is forbidden due to the significant risks they pose to aviation safety and the potential for facilitating aerial terrorist attacks.
“And whereas the safety and security of government, public property, and human beings is a matter of serious concern, there is a need to deter the operations of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) from the point of view of aviation safety and terrorist threats. And whereas it is necessary to take speedy measures on this behalf to prevent the above-mentioned dangerous threat,” the order reads.
Punishment Under IPC
Any individual, group, organizer, owner, occupier, employee, or similar party violating this directive will be subject to punishment in accordance with Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
(With ANI inputs)
