Cyberabad police impose drone ban & traffic restrictions for Presidential visit
Hyderabad: In a bid to ensure security during the visit of Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, the Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad, Avinash Mohanty, on December 16, 2024, issued an order prohibiting flying activities involving Remotely Controlled Drones, Paragliders, and Remote-Controlled Micro-Light Aircraft over the area of Alwal Police Station. The ban will be in effect from December 17, 2024, to December 21, 2024.
The order, issued under Section 163 of the BNSS, cites a memorandum from the Ministry of Home Affairs, ISI Division/VIP Security, Government of India, dated May 10, 2019, which raised concerns about the potential misuse of aerial platforms, such as drones and para-gliders, by terrorist and antisocial elements for attacks. It further highlighted the increasing trend of remote-controlled drones being used for live telecasts and event photography, which poses a security risk.
The memorandum specifically calls for the prohibition of such aerial activities within a 5 km radius of State Secretariat complexes in state capitals and within 2 km of strategic vital installations. In light of this, the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate has imposed the ban to prevent any possible threat to public safety and peace.
The Commissioner highlighted that any violation of the order would be punishable under the relevant sections of the law, including Sections 147, 148, 289, 125, 125(a), and 125(b) of the BNSS. The order also mandates to inform the public that any violation will be considered an offense.
In addition, a traffic advisory has been issued due to the President’s visit to RP Nilayam on December 17, 2024, between 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. To ensure smooth traffic flow, the Cyberabad police have warned of congestion at BITS Junction and the surrounding route.
Traffic coming from ORR exit number 7 toward Hakeempet, passing through BITS Junction, Thumkunta village, and Hakeempet, will face temporary delays during the time period of 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The public is advised to plan their travel accordingly and cooperate with the Traffic Police to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
