Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar CP extends ban on laser, beam lights within 15km radius of airport till July 5

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The use of laser and high-intensity beam lights within 15km radius of the airport and in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city police commissionerate limits will remain prohibited for 60 more days, till July 5.Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar commissioner of police (CP) Pravin Pawar issued the prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, citing threats to aircraft movement. It came into effect on Thursday.The prohibitory order follows concerns raised by the Airports Authority of India over the frequent use of laser and beam lights during weddings, social gatherings, religious functions and festivals at farmhouses, marriage halls and open venues near the airport. After examining the concerns raised by the airport authorities, the CP said, preventive action was necessary to avoid any untoward incident.Invoking powers vested in him as the special executive magistrate under Section 163 of the BNSS, Pawar prohibited any individual, event organiser or establishment from using laser or beam lights aimed towards the sky within 15km radius of the airport as well as within the jurisdiction of the city police commissionerate.CP Pawar said the use of powerful laser and beam lights could potentially trigger serious aviation accidents. "Laser and beam lights directed into the sky can distract pilots, endangering passengers' safety," he said in the order.Officials said the order applied to all social, cultural and religious events where decorative or entertainment lighting systems were commonly used. Any violation of the order would invite penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.The commissionerate has directed all deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and police station in-charges to ensure strict implementation of the prohibitory order. Authorities have been instructed to publicise the order widely through police stations, govt offices, public notice boards, markets, bus stands, railway stations and other public places so that organisers and residents are aware of the restriction.