Security tightened in Lahaul-Spiti ahead of President’s visit
Drone use and adventure activities banned in Sissu region
In view of the proposed visit of the President Droupadi Murmu, the district administration of Lahaul and Spiti has put in place extensive security, protocol and law-and-order arrangements across key locations in the region.
Acting on directives issued by Kiran Bhadana, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Lahaul and Spiti, the administration has declared a large stretch — heading from Sissu village and Sissu nursery to the Sissu helipad and up to the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel — as a “No unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) zone”.
According to official orders, the restriction will remain in force from April 19 to April 30. During this period, the use of drones, UAVs, remote piloted aerial systems (RPAS), paragliding and all other forms of aerial activities has been strictly prohibited.
The authorities have warned that any violation of these restrictions will invite strict legal action under relevant provisions.
In a parallel move to ensure foolproof security, all tourism and adventure-related operations in the designated zone have been temporarily suspended. Activities such as ziplining, boating and other commercial ventures will remain closed during the same period.
Operators, vendors and stakeholders have been instructed to vacate their respective sites by April 20 and halt all activities with immediate effect.
The district administration, along with the police, the Forest Department and other security agencies, has intensified surveillance across the region. Special focus is being placed on traffic regulation, crowd management and monitoring of sensitive locations to avoid any disruption during the President’s visit.
Officials have appealed to residents, tourists and all concerned stakeholders to strictly adhere to the issued guidelines and cooperate with the authorities to maintain a secure and orderly environment.
The administration emphasised that these precautionary measures were essential to ensure a smooth, safe and well-managed visit of the President to the strategically important Lahaul Valley.
