The Delhi Police has prohibited the operation of drones, sub-conventional aerial vehicles, and paragliders across the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi from August 2 to August 16, 2026, as part of heightened security measures leading up to Independence Day.
The restriction order, issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, cites intelligence reports suggesting that anti-social or terrorist groups could exploit low-flying aerial platforms to target the public, visiting dignitaries, and critical national infrastructure.
Prohibited Platforms and Legal Provisions
The ban covers a wide array of sub-conventional flying platforms, including:
-
Drones, UAVs, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and quadcopters
-
Paragliders, paramotors, hang-gliders, and microlight aircraft
-
Remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, and small powered aircraft
-
Para-jumping activities
The restrictions have been enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Authorities warned that any violation of this order will lead to prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
The ban remains active through August 16, 2026, unless revoked earlier.
Change of Guard Ceremonies Cancelled for Rehearsals
In a related development, Rashtrapati Bhavan announced that the weekly Change of Guard Ceremony scheduled for August 1 and August 8 will not take place. The cancellation allows space for full-scale rehearsals for the main Independence Day ceremony.
The 30-minute military tradition—conducted every Saturday at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan—symbolizes the formal transfer of guarding responsibilities for the President of India to a fresh contingent of troops. Normal public viewing of the ceremony is expected to resume after the Independence Day celebrations concluded.
