Kangra: A complete ban on paragliding and other aerial activities has been imposed in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district ahead of visits by the President of India and leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi.The move comes amid heightened vigilance over airspace security, also in view of upcoming Indian Premier League matches in Dharamshala.Deputy commissioner Hemraj Bairwa has invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, citing the arrival of ministers, senior officials and other dignitaries. He said unrestricted aerial activity could pose a security risk.All aero-sports, including paragliding, drone flying and hot air ballooning, have been banned in Kangra, Dharamshala and Shahpur sub-divisions on April 30.The order allows police and security agencies to use drones for surveillance and law-and-order duties with prior intimation to the administration through the superintendent of police.Similar restrictions will be in place in Palampur and Baijnath from 8 am to 1 pm for the President’s visit to Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya.Meanwhile, the administration has stepped up security and disaster preparedness ahead of IPL matches. A recent mock drill at the Dharamshala stadium simulated drone intrusion and airspace threats, involving multiple agencies.Officials said teams from disaster management, fire services, health department, home guards and volunteers participated in the exercise.
