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Hot air balloons banned in Mumbai

Mumbai - Aviation safety concerns trigger regulation of the city skies.

With growing violation of Mumbai's airspace by hot air balloons used for advertising and social purposes, the police have banned their use. Those wanting to send up balloons have to get prior permission.
In May, security agencies here got worried after pilots reported about half a dozen unidentified objects flying over the airport and near an aircraft. The airport's control tower was also not aware about the objects.
Later, the police traced the balloons to a jeweller, who was using them to promote his products at a cricket match being played nearby.
But for nearly 48 hours the security agencies were worried about the presence of unidentified objects over Mumbai's airspace. There have been concerns that terrorist organisations might use drones to attack the airport.
Several hawkers also sell hot air balloons near Juhu and Versova beaches, which are located quite close to the airport. Some of the balloons float towards the aircraft, endangering flights. Others also hover near the Juhu airport, which is used by helicopters of state-owned Pawan Hans to ferry personnel to Bombay High, the off-shore oil and gas field.
According to the police, some of the balloons and lanterns have flames burning inside, which could cause a disaster if it comes in contact with an aircraft.
The police justified the order banning the release of hot air balloons citing the danger to aircraft.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) also releases weather balloons daily and some of them float over the airspace.
A few days ago, for instance, there were concerns after security officials spotted balloons at low levels over an aircraft hangar near the airport.
The weather balloons usually float high up in the sky. The IMD releases balloons twice a day and informs the control tower. However, some of the balloons fail to reach the desired height and hover near the airport.
But the police say they are more concerned about the hot air balloons released by individuals and companies, which are not monitored. Besides possibly damaging aircraft, they can also endanger properties.
The police suspect that one such balloon released a few months ago triggered off a fire in an apartment in a high-rise tower in Andheri.
A few days ago, authorities in Ludhiana in Punjab also banned the use of hot air balloons, citing risk to life and property.