Temporary ban on paragliding, drone flying & aerial activities

Dharamshala, April 29: District Magistrate Kangra Hemraj Bairwa has issued orders under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code for a complete ban on all types of aero sports and aerial activities including paragliding, drone flying, hot air ballooning within the administrative limits of Kangra, Dharamshala and Shahpur sub-divisions of Kangra district in view of the proposed visit of Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha) Rahul Gandhi to Kangra on April 30, 2026. This decision has been taken as a precautionary measure keeping in mind VVIP movement and security arrangements.
The District Magistrate stated that a large number of ministers, senior officials, and other distinguished guests are expected to arrive during the proposed visit. Therefore, any air activity could pose a potential security threat. In light of this, this order has been implemented with immediate effect.
It has been clarified in the orders that the district police and other security agencies will be allowed to use drones or other aerial surveillance equipment for security, surveillance and law and order related works, provided prior information is given to the district administration through the Superintendent of Police, Kangra.
It is noteworthy that in addition to this, keeping in view the proposed visit of His Excellency the President to Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, all types of aero sports and air activities will also be completely banned in Palampur and Baijnath sub-divisions from 8 am to 1 pm on April 30, 2026.