Mumbai police have banned the flying of drones, paragliders, all types of balloons and remote-controlled microlight aircraft on February 10 for security reasons, in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the city, an official said on Monday.

Deputy commissioner of police (operations) issued an order to this effect on February 3 under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, he said. Modi is scheduled to launch Vande Bharat Express trains on Mumbai-Solapur and Mumbai-Shirdi routes on February 10.

According to the Mumbai police order, no activities of drones, paragliders, all types of balloons and remote-controlled microlight aircraft would be allowed in the jurisdiction of the airport, Sahar, Colaba, Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Marg, MIDC and Andheri police stations for 24 hours on February 10, unless withdrawn earlier.

“It is also apprehended that during the PM’s visit on February 10 at Mumbai Airport, INS Shikra, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Marol in Andheri, terrorist/anti-social elements may attack using drone, paragliders, remote-controlled microlight aircraft and there is every likelihood of breach of peace and disturbance to public tranquillity,” the order said.

“Also there is a grave danger to human life, health, safety and injury to public property on that account,” it added.

Modi opens HAL chopper factory

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd’s (HAL) helicopter-making unit — India’s largest such factory — in Tumakuru of poll-bound Karnataka.

The greenfield helicopter factory of the defence PSU will manufacture light utility helicopters and Indian multi-role helicopters. Initially, the factory will produce around 30 helicopters per year which will be increased to 60 and then 90 per year in a phased manner.

Imran Ahmed Siddiqui