The Delhi Police have prohibited the use of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) and the use of laser beams in the jurisdiction of the Sub-Division of Palam, Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, as it poses a serious security threat of a terrorist attack and can also be hazardous to aviation safety.
“As there has been frequent report based on credible information that terrorists have the plan to carry out a terror attack by using UAS including drones, para-gliders and hang-gliders, UAVs, aero-models. Therefore, its use by the members of the public is prohibited,” a Delhi Police order said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI Airport) Sanjay Tyagi said that the usage of laser beams and drones has always been prohibited near the airport keeping in view the safety and security of the people. “The recent order is just an extension,” he said.
The present order will remain enforced for only two months from February 12 till April 12.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Subdivision Palam) Bijender Singh, in his order, said that the Air Traffic Control of IGI Airport has reported incidents of the visual distraction of the pilots by laser beam especially while landing the aircraft. “This is not only a source of a nuisance but may also cause danger to the safety and security of passengers and the aircraft,” Singh said.
He further said that it has been found that a number of farmhouses, banquets, hotels and restaurants have come up in and around the jurisdiction of the airport where a lot of lights including laser beams are during marriages, parties and different events.
“This is a source of nuisance in general and causes of visual distraction to the pilots in particular,” he said. At present, there are no rules and regulations to regulate the use of laser beams, especially in the open during night hours.
