Why Is There a Drone Ban in Chennai Before President Murmu’s Visit?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Drone operations are prohibited in Chennai during the President's visit for security reasons.
- The President will attend significant events, including a bank anniversary and a university convocation.
- Heightened security measures involve multiple agencies for the safety of the President.
- Public cooperation is essential to ensure a smooth experience during this time.
- Traffic diversions and barricades will be in place to facilitate secure movement.
Chennai, Sep 1 (IANS) The Chennai City Police have enforced a ban on the operation of drones within the city limits in preparation for President Droupadi Murmu’s upcoming two-day visit to Tamil Nadu, citing security concerns.
The President is set to arrive in Chennai on Tuesday as part of her official itinerary. She is expected to be the chief guest at the 120th anniversary celebrations of the City Union Bank, which will take place at the Nandambakkam Trade Centre.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will also participate in the event.
Following the celebrations, President Murmu will head to Raj Bhavan in Guindy, where she will stay overnight. The next morning, she will travel from Chennai to Tiruchirappalli. From there, she will take a helicopter to Neelakudi in the Tiruvarur district, where she will officiate at the convocation ceremony of the Central University of Tamil Nadu and award degrees to graduating students.
Later, she will return to Tiruchirappalli to visit the famous Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam for darshan. After her temple visit, she will depart from Tiruchirappalli in a special aircraft, heading back to New Delhi.
In light of the President’s engagements in Chennai, the police have heightened security protocols throughout the city. Special security arrangements have been implemented at the Nandambakkam venue, incorporating a multi-layered security approach involving state police, special protection groups, and paramilitary forces.
The Greater Chennai City Police Commissioner A. Arun has mandated a strict prohibition on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including drones, balloons, and other airborne devices, in and around the city during the President’s visit.
Surveillance measures have been intensified around key locations, with security checks becoming more stringent along travel routes. Barricades and traffic diversions will also be established in various parts of the city to ensure the VVIP convoy moves smoothly.
The Chennai City Police have urged the public to comply with these security measures and to refrain from activities that could lead to inconveniences or security threats.