Ahead of Republic Day, no drones allowed in Shivaji Park area

The area around Shivaji Park in central Mumbai where the official Republic Day function would take place has been declared a 'no-flying-zone' for drones, the police said on Friday.

Extensive security arrangements have been made in and around the ground, as the Maharashtra Governor, Chief Minister, other ministers and VVIPs would be attending the Republic Day parade at Shivaji Park, a police official said.

As a precautionary measure, the area has been declared a 'no flying zone', he said.

Para-gliding and use of drones or other kinds of remote-controlled micro-light aircraft will not be allowed in the area till February 22, keeping in mind the possibility of terrorists using such aerial vehicles for launching an attack, he said.

The police themselves would be using drones, however, for surveillance during the function.

Police personnel would be stationed at surrounding high-rise buildings while a Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad will be deployed near the ground, the official said.

The city police's new mounted unit would be taking part in the parade at Shivaji Park.

A tableau on Kanhoji Angre, chief of the Maratha Navy, will also be displayed during the parade.