14 September,2026 07:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
People have been asked to report any kite-flying activity in the restricted zones to the nearest police station. Representational Pic/File
Mumbai Police on Monday imposed an extended 60-day ban on kite flying in and around the INS Shikra Naval Air Station and nearby areas, citing concerns over the safety of aircraft and helicopter operations.
The preventive order covers the airspace around the naval air station as well as parts of Azad Nagar and Sundar Nagar under the Mumbai Police Commissionerate.
Authorities said kites flying in the area could pose a risk to aircraft, particularly during take-off, landing and other routine operations under the Western Naval Command.
The order has been issued by Akbar Pathan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations).
It will come into effect at midnight on September 16, 2026, and remain in force for 60 days until midnight on November 14, 2026.
The restriction has been imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, along with relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951.
Mumbai Police have warned that anyone found violating the order will face legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
The authorities have also appealed to residents and members of the public to comply with the restriction and avoid flying kites in the designated areas.
People have been asked to report any kite-flying activity in the restricted zones to the nearest police station.
INS Shikra is a key naval aviation facility in Mumbai and supports helicopter and other aviation operations under the Western Naval Command.
The Mumbai Police in an earlier issued a fresh preventive order, imposing a temporary 30-day ban on the operation of private flying devices across the city.
The preventive order pointed at security concerns and the possibility of threats from anti-national elements.
The restriction will come into effect at 12.01 am on September 13, 2026, and remain in force until midnight on October 12, 2026, unless withdrawn earlier, it stated.
According to the police, the preventive measure is intended to reduce the risk of possible attacks, sabotage or other security threats involving remote-controlled aircraft and low-altitude flying devices.
The police have cited the protection of VVIPs, public safety and critical infrastructure as key reasons behind the restriction.
