Laser lights within a 10 km radius of Imphal International Airport.
Short Summary
On June 13, 2025, the Manipur government issued a directive banning the use of laser lights within a 10 km radius of Imphal International Airport. The prohibition covers everything from laser pointers to large-scale laser shows—aimed at preventing pilot distractions and enhancing flight safety. Violators will face strict legal action under multiple laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023), Aircraft Rules (1937), and the Airport Authority of India Act (1994)
1. Why This Ban? Understanding the Core Issue
Ever shone a laser pointer at someone—or watched a flashy laser show at a concert? Now imagine that light shining up into the sky near a runway, right into a pilot’s eyes as they land or take off. That’s not just annoying; it can be dangerous. The 10 km laser ban around Imphal Airport is all about eliminating that risk.
Pilots rely heavily on visual cues—especially after dark or in fog—and even a brief laser spot can disrupt their vision. Imagine driving blindfolded for a split second—that’s how hazardous laser stray beams can be to landing or departing aircraft.
2. From Committee Room to City Streets: How the Ban Took Shape
This isn’t a knee-jerk reaction—it’s rooted in structured aviation oversight. The Airfield Environment Management Committee at Bir Tikendrajit (Imphal) Airport flagged laser encroachments as a growing concern during a meeting on June 11, 2025. Prompt action followed just hours later from the Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West, M. Rajkumar Singh.
Think of it as catching a small leak before it floods the house. Authorities reviewed reports, likely spoke to pilots, and decided to fix the problem at its source—with a legal ban.
3. Scope of the Ban: More Than Just Laser Shows
This isn’t just about concerts or big events. The restriction covers:
- Laser pointers—commonly used during presentations, outdoor events, or even by pranksters.
- Laser light shows—the kind that enjoy popularity at weddings, festivals, and public celebrations.
And the geographical boundary? A full 10 km (roughly 6 miles) radius around the airport, taking in a wide swath of Imphal West, including zoned villages like Malom, Langthabal, Ningombam, and others.
4. Legal Teeth: The Enforcement Framework
This ban isn’t symbolic. Violators could face consequences under:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 – India’s revamped criminal code replacing old penal sections.
- Aircraft Rules, 1937 – rules specifically governing aviation safety compliance.
- Airport Authority of India Act, 1994 – overseeing airport operational security.
So don’t think “just a harmless prank”; shining a laser into the sky in this zone could land you in trouble
5. Why Now? Timing and Context
It’s no coincidence the ban followed closely after the tragic Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad on June 12—an event that rocked the nation and put aviation safety back in the spotlight. Though lasers didn’t cause that accident, it probably nudged authorities to zero in on even less-spoken hazards to prevent further tragedies.
Plus, pilots themselves likely raised concerns. A laser strike at the wrong altitude could disorient someone managing hundreds of tons of aircraft. Better safe than sorry.
6. Community Impact: Awareness, Convenience, and Responsibility
For residents and event planners, this ban means:
- Laser pointers during conferences or school events must be replaced with clickers or LED pens.
- Public laser shows—common at festivals—need rethinking or relocation well outside sensitive zones.
- General public awareness is vital—people need to understand that innocuous action could be illegal and dangerous near runways.
Imagine going to the doctor’s clinic and being told to turn off your phone. This is the aviation equivalent: a small personal change with life-saving stakes.
7. Reporting and Enforcement: How It Works
So how do the authorities plan to stop lights in the sky?
- Police and Airport Security – On-ground checks in and around the key villages.
- Drill down on events – Any public gathering in the 10 km radius now requires permission with a laser clause.
- Penalties – Fines, legal notices—or worse, criminal proceedings under BNS or AAI Act.
Bottom line? It’s no longer just about optics; it’s about operational safety at a critical transit hub.
8. Broadening the View: Is This Happening Elsewhere?
This isn’t unique to Manipur. Indian and global airports face similar challenges. Authorities in London, Los Angeles, and Mumbai have banned lasers for this exact reason. Any beam up into the sky—no matter how harmless it seems—could have a pilot squinting when they shouldn’t.
India’s move shows a maturing of aviation awareness—it’s not just reactive, but preventative.
9. Next Steps: What the Public Should Know
If you live in or near Imphal West:
- Stay informed. Check with local municipal or DC offices before planning events.
- Use safe alternatives. LED pointers or cordless microphones don’t pose hazards.
- Spread the word. Educate your communities—make the ban a talking point, not a secret.
- Comply and calm. If you’re stopped, cooperate. It’s for everyone’s safety—a small inconvenience with a big payoff.
10. Big Picture: Safety First, Always
A pilot’s ability to land safely hinges on clear vision. While it might sound overcautious, controlling distractions in the flight path is a no-brainer. This ban reminds us that safety isn’t just about fancy tech—it’s about commonsense rules that protect lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why ban laser lights near Imphal Airport?
Because laser beams can blind pilots during critical phases of flight—takeoff and landing—jeopardizing safety. - Does the ban cover pointers or events?
Yes—both small laser pointers and large-scale laser shows are prohibited within a 10 km radius. - Who enforces this ban?
The Deputy Commissioner’s office, local police, airport authorities, and regulatory bodies can act under BNS 2023, Aircraft Rules 1937, and AAI Act 1994. - What are the legal consequences?
Violators could face penalties ranging from fines to criminal charges under multiple laws aimed at aviation safety and public security. - Are similar bans in place at other airports?
Yes, many global airports—including in Mumbai, London, and Los Angeles—have similar restrictions to prevent laser distractions to pilots.
