Mumbai Police Bans Drones & Aerial Devices For 30 Days During Ganpati Visarjan

Ganpati Visarjan is one of the biggest festivals in Mumbai, drawing lakhs of devotees to the city’s streets and waterfronts. To ensure complete security during the celebrations, the Mumbai Police Commissionerate has imposed a temporary ban on drones, paragliders, microlight aircraft and other aerial devices across the city. The prohibition will remain in effect for 30 days and is aimed at preventing any potential misuse of such flying objects by anti-social or extremist elements.

Ban Enforced Under Citizens’ Safety Code

According to the official notification, the order has been issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The police clarified that the restriction has been introduced as a precautionary measure to safeguard VVIPs, public gatherings, and private properties from possible threats. Officials stressed that such flying machines can be misused to disrupt law and order or endanger lives, making this preventive step essential during large-scale events like Ganpati Visarjan.

Effective Dates And Applicability

The ban will be active from 6 September to 5 October, operating round-the-clock from 12:01 am until midnight every day. This duration covers the entire festive season, including processions and immersion days, which are considered highly sensitive. Only aerial surveillance operations carried out by the Mumbai Police or activities specifically authorised in writing by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) will be exempted from this order.

Strict Action For Violations

Authorities have made it clear that violations of this order will lead to strict legal action. Offenders will be charged under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Dand Sanhita, 2023. The Commissionerate has instructed all police stations across Mumbai to ensure widespread awareness about the order. Notices have been circulated to BMC ward offices, displayed on public boards, and distributed in key localities to inform residents and organisers of the restrictions.

Ensuring Safety During Festivities

The Ganpati festival witnesses massive gatherings and high-profile events in Mumbai every year. Considering the large crowds and public enthusiasm, the decision to impose restrictions on drones and aerial devices is being seen as a preventive security step. According to officials, controlling the use of such flying objects is necessary to ensure that no one misuses them for surveillance, disruption, or unlawful activities during the celebrations.

What It Means For Citizens

For ordinary citizens and organisers, this means avoiding the use of drones for photography, live streaming, or any aerial activity during the restricted period. While this may cause some inconvenience for those wanting to capture visuals of the festivities, authorities believe the move is in the best interest of public safety. The order highlights the balance between cultural celebrations and strict security protocols that are needed in a city as large and sensitive as Mumbai.