Open spaces in Delhi, NCR could be used by anti-national elements, say security agencies

Security agencies in India feel that open spaces in Delhi, NCR could be used for launching para-gliders and micro-light aircraft.

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Delhi: Open areas in Delhi and the National Capital Region are on the radar of security agencies in India who feel that these spaces could be used for launching para-gliders and micro-light aircraft, as per a media report.

Mail Today quoted sources as saying that anti-national elements could use these areas. 

The issue was also supposedly raised in a coordination meeting chaired by Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Verma where special commissioner of the Special Cell raised the issue.

"Already, there is an aerial threat. Recently, the police of neighbouring states have been warned about the threat from para-gliders, micro light aircraft, etc. In a recent inter-state coordination headed by Verma, the matter was also taken up. We have asked the state police to keep a close watch on open areas which can be used by para-gliders and micro-light aircraft," a senior police officer was quoted by the website as saying.

"These gadgets which can fly at a good height are dangerous for aircraft. It has been noticed that various such objects have been noticed by pilots. When Delhi Police investigated, they found that these gadgets were used by some resident of neighbouring states," the officer told Mail Today.

"Cops are not aware that drones and any other such gadgets are banned by the civil aviation ministry. At lower level, there is lack of knowledge and it is important for senior officials of district to brief lower staff to take appropriate action if they notice any such activity," a Delhi Police official was quoted as saying.

On the other hand, a senior government official said, "In the last six months, suspicious aerial activities like use of laser light and beams, various unidentified objects have been noticed by security agencies. Airspace over cities must not have distraction which can harm any aircraft movement. The DGCA has also banned use of UAS as they pose a threat for air collisions and accidents."