Varanasi: Authorities have declared a temporary red zone within a 5-km radius of Namo Ghat ahead of Aerial Display-2026, banning the operation of drones and other unmanned aircraft from midnight on Monday.
Police said Prime Minister Narendra Modi , governor Anandiben Patel, chief minister Yogi Adityanath , defence minister Rajnath Singh and other dignitaries are likely to attend or visit during the event, making the venue and surrounding areas highly sensitive from a security standpoint. The order was issued by additional commissioner of police (Law and Order) Shivhari Meena as part of heightened security arrangements for the air show, which is expected to draw large crowds and multiple high-profile attendees. The police have urged residents, photographers, videographers, media teams, educational institutions and drone operators to refrain from using drones or restricted aerial devices without prior permission. Citizens have been asked to immediately report any suspicious aerial activity to the local police.