Delhi Police chief Sanjay Arora has prohibited flying of various sub-conventional aerial platforms, including paragliders, UAVs, micro light aircrafts, hot air balloons, as part of the security protocol for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations.

In an order issued on Thursday, it said, “It has been reported that certain criminal or anti-social elements or terrorists inimical to India may pose a threat to the safety of the general public, dignitaries and vital installations by the use of sub- conventional aerial platforms like paragliders, para-motors, hang gliders, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), micro-light aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small size powered aircraft, quadcopters or even by para-jumping from aircraft.”

Even online sales over the jurisdiction of the National Capital Territory of Delhi on Republic Day has been made punishable under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

The prohibition on the aerial activities has been put in to effect beginning Friday and will go on for 29 days for up to February 15, unless the order is withdrawn earlier.

According to the order, no flights will be allowed to arrive or depart from Delhi airport between 10:20 am and 12:45 pm from January 19 to 26.

Delhi Police chief Arora also chaired a high level multi-agency coordination meeting where senior officials from agencies like the IB, NIA, different state police and a specialized unit of Delhi Police Special Cell officers, amongst others, took part.

The meeting was held to strengthen cooperation amid the law enforcement agencies (LEA) gearing up for Republic Day.

Arora said a drive should be launched to trace and verify the criminals released from jail, while those criminals with a terrorist, or a radical background need to be closely monitored, while also stressed to tighten grip over the interstate illicit weapon gangs.

Police across all districts, especially sensitive ones, have been conducting special checks, drives and mock drills in view of security preparedness as well as stepping up presence in areas with high foot falls.

Aerial surveillance with the use of drones is also being carried out at several areas, while the city’s borders have been closely monitored with increased policing to keep a check on the movement of suspicious elements.