In light of recent political developments and the upcoming oath-taking ceremony of the Prime Minister, the Delhi Police have imposed Section 144 around the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), banning drone and laser beam activities in the vicinity.
The prohibitory orders, effective from June 1 to July 30, were introduced following reports of vision distractions caused by laser beams during aircraft landings. These incidents, reported by the Air Traffic Control (ATC) at IGI Airport, posed significant safety risks to pilots, passengers, and aircraft.
The order states that various establishments such as farmhouses, banquets, hotels, and restaurants around IGI Airport use laser beams during events, creating a potential hazard. Currently, no regulations govern the use of laser beams, especially at night, necessitating immediate action to ensure aviation safety.
In addition to the laser beam ban, the police have also prohibited the use of drones and other unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the airport premises. Credible intelligence suggests that terrorists might use UAS for attacks, posing severe security threats. The ban aims to prevent such dangerous activities and ensure the safety of government and public property, as well as human lives.
Violators of these orders will face legal consequences under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant.
The measures taken by the Delhi Police reflect the urgency and seriousness of the potential threats, underscoring the need for stringent regulations to protect aviation safety and national security.
