Mumbai, Nov 12 (The Hindu): For the first time this year, the Mumbai police have imposed regulations on flying of hot air balloons and lanterns, making it mandatory for citizens to inform the nearest police station before flying them, failing which they will be liable for punitive action.

Hot air balloons and lanterns are said to have been first used in China in the third century to send signals among the military, and gradually, they went on to become a regular feature at carnivals.

Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the use of hot air balloons and lanterns in Mumbai, with vendors selling them mostly at sea faces such as Marine Drive, Girgaum, Worli, and Juhu, where a large number of people spend their evenings. The balloons have a burning flame inside which gives off a glow, increasing the attraction, especially at night.

The Mumbai police’s order reads: “It is noticed that hot air lanterns and balloons are released, endangering the safety of air flights and properties. And whereas it is necessary that some checks be put on the release of balloons so that it does not affect the safety of properties and aircraft, immediate action is necessary for prevention of the same.”

Andheri fire
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection) Dhananjay Kulkarni, who is also the Mumbai Police spokesperson, said that last year a fire had occurred at a high-rise in Andheri, and the reason, although never completely established, was believed to have been a hot air balloon entering the building.

“Vendors selling the balloons release several of them into the air to showcase their wares, and customers too, follow suit. Such activities occur in areas over which aircraft pass at a lower height before picking up altitude, while in other areas, like the Juhu beach, there are air bases like Pawan Hans, giving rise to a risk,” said Mr. Kulkarni.

Consequently, the police have now banned flying hot air balloons and lanterns, and have made it mandatory under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to inform the nearest police station before doing so. As per law, failure to comply with the order will attract punitive action under Section 188 of IPC.