Varanasi: Authorities have declared a temporary red zone within a 5-km radius of Namo Ghat ahead of Aerial Display-2026, banning the operation of drones and other unmanned aircraft from midnight on Monday.The order was issued by additional commissioner of police (Law and Order) Shivhari Meena as part of heightened security arrangements for the air show, which is expected to draw large crowds and multiple high-profile attendees.Police said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, governor Anandiben Patel, chief minister Yogi Adityanath, defence minister Rajnath Singh and other dignitaries are likely to attend or visit during the event, making the venue and surrounding areas highly sensitive from a security standpoint.Under the directives, flying any drone or unmanned aerial system, including quadcopters, hexacopters and similar devices across all categories from nano to large, is prohibited within the red zone. In addition, the unauthorised use of aerial devices such as flying balloons, kites, remote-controlled microlights and paragliders has been banned across the entire Varanasi Commissionerate area until Oct 30.The police have urged residents, photographers, videographers, media teams, educational institutions and drone operators to refrain from using drones or restricted aerial devices without prior permission. Citizens have been asked to immediately report any suspicious aerial activity to the local police.Officials warned that violations may attract penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with other applicable legal provisions.
