Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Police Enforce Strict Ban on Laser Lights to Safeguard Airport Operations
In a decisive move to enhance aviation safety, Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has issued a comprehensive prohibitory order, effectively banning the use of laser lights and high-intensity beam lights across key areas of the city. This directive, which spans from February 15 to April 15, 2024, covers a 15-kilometer radius around the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport and extends throughout the entire police commissionerate limits, aiming to mitigate serious threats to flight operations.
Legal Basis and Authority Behind the Ban
The order has been formally enacted under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, with Commissioner Pawar exercising his powers as a special executive magistrate. This action follows an urgent communication from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which raised alarms about the increasing misuse of such lights during various events, including weddings, social gatherings, religious programs, and celebrations held at venues like farmhouses and marriage halls located near the airport.
Risks Posed by Laser and Beam Lights to Aviation
According to the official order, powerful laser and beam lights projected into the sky pose a significant hazard to aircraft, particularly during critical phases such as take-off and landing. These lights can distract pilots and impair their vision, potentially leading to momentary blindness and increasing the risk of serious air traffic incidents. "Such lights can momentarily blind pilots and potentially trigger serious air traffic incidents, putting passengers at risk," emphasized Commissioner Pawar, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Scope of the Prohibition and Enforcement Measures
The ban strictly prohibits individuals and event organizers from projecting laser or beam lights into the sky within the designated 15-kilometer airfield radius of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport, as well as across all areas under the police commissionerate's jurisdiction. Violators will face legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which outlines punitive measures for non-compliance.
Public Awareness and Implementation Strategy
To ensure widespread adherence, deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, and police station in-charges have been directed to actively publicize and enforce the order within their respective jurisdictions. Recognizing the impracticality of serving the order personally to all concerned parties, officials have been instructed to display it prominently at key locations, including police stations, police offices, the cantonment board, municipal corporation offices, the central bus stand, the railway station, major markets, and public libraries. This multi-faceted approach aims to maximize visibility and compliance, thereby safeguarding flight safety and preventing potential disruptions in the region.
