Delhi Police Imposes Drone Ban Ahead Of Independence Day: Check Dates, Platforms Covered And More

Ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, the Delhi Police has imposed a blanket ban on the operation of drones and several other sub-conventional aerial platforms across the national capital from August 2 to August 16, due to security concerns.

The order was issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, was signed on July 31 and will be in force for 15 days.

What Is Covered Under The Ban

The order covers a wide net over what qualifies as a sub-conventional aerial platform. It prohibits the flying of paragliders, para-motors, hang-gliders, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-sized powered aircraft, quadcopters, and even para-jumping from aircraft, anywhere within the jurisdiction of the National Capital Territory of Delhi during the notified period.

The restriction applies across the city and is not limited to areas around Red Fort or other high-security zones where the Independence Day celebration will take place.

The Delhi Police in its press release has said the directive will be communicated through the media and by displaying copies of the order on notice boards at the offices of Deputy Commissioners of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioners of Police, Assistant Commissioners of Police, tehsil offices, police stations, and the offices of the NDMC, MCD, PWD, DDA and the Delhi Cantonment Board, ensuring the restriction reaches residents, event organisers, and hobbyist drone operators across the city well ahead of the August 2 start date.

Change Of Guard Ceremony Also Affected

Separately, the Change of Guard Ceremony, normally held at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, will not take place on August 1 and August 8 this year. According to a press release from Rashtrapati Bhavan, the ceremony has been called off on both dates to allow for rehearsals ahead of the Independence Day Ceremony 2026.

The Change of Guard ceremony is a conventional military tradition which is held every Saturday, which is the formal transfer of duty between the guards and sentries who are stationed at the premises.