In anticipation of the 78th Independence Day celebrations, New Delhi and its surrounding areas have been fortified. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will raise the national flag and give his address to the nation.
Security measures have been significantly ramped up, with intelligence agencies on high alert due to reports suggesting that anti-India groups are planning to target prominent events. Here’s an overview of the extensive security preparations being implemented across the national capital.
Police Deploy Over 13,000 Personnel, Including Snipers And SWAT Teams
Delhi Police have significantly strengthened security measures for Independence Day, deploying over 3,000 traffic officers and more than 10,000 police personnel, according to PTI. Snipers, elite SWAT commandos, kite catchers, and sharpshooters will be stationed at key locations to ensure the safety of the Prime Minister and other high-profile guests.
Additional police teams and paramilitary forces have been assigned to critical spots such as IGI Airport, railway stations, bus stands, malls, and markets. The Central Industrial Security Force, responsible for Delhi Metro’s security, has introduced a two-step frisking procedure for commuters to prevent any security breaches.
The areas around the Red Fort will be designated as a “no kite flying zone” during the event, with personnel equipped to intercept kites. Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Manoj Kumar Meena mentioned that extensive security arrangements are in place for the more than 20,000 to 22,000 guests expected to attend the event.
“We are requesting people and even guests to come to the venue by metro. All the gates of the metro will be open. Besides, multi-layered security arrangements will be made. We are holding meetings of all the area SHOs to ensure a law and order situation. Police are fully prepared according to the inputs we have received so far,” DCP Meena said, according to the news agency.
AI-Powered Surveillance Systems To Be Deployed At Red Fort
For the Independence Day celebrations, security agencies are deploying advanced technology systems at and around the Red Fort. According to ANI sources, sophisticated AI-powered security systems with enhanced surveillance features will be set up at the historic site.
Documents obtained by ANI reveal that around 700 CCTV cameras with video analytics capabilities will be strategically placed throughout the Red Fort. These cameras will include features such as facial recognition, people movement tracking, tripwire detection, audio monitoring, intrusion alerts, defocus detection, and the ability to identify missing or abandoned items, along with vehicle number plate recognition.
A control centre has been established on the Red Fort grounds where authorities will monitor live feeds from the cameras. The upgraded facial recognition system will allow real-time analysis of both live and recorded video, automatically alerting the control room if it identifies individuals on the “Watch List.” This system can detect similar faces across multiple cameras and recognise different faces in group photos.
In addition to facial recognition, this year’s security setup will also feature Number Plate Recognition (NPR) technology to enhance monitoring capabilities.
The new technology will automatically detect and record vehicle license plates, with instant alerts generated for any violations, as detailed by Business Today.
Additionally, PTI reports that police will use a smartphone app to verify the identities of attendees at the event, according to an officer.
The cameras will also detect abandoned luggage in public areas, a crucial safety measure for high-risk zones.
Zone-specific alarms will be customisable based on the significance and sensitivity of each location, as reported by Business Today.
Traffic Restrictions And Diversions
Traffic restrictions and diversions will be implemented at Delhi borders for both Tuesday’s full-dress rehearsal and Independence Day.
According to Hindustan Times, heavy transport vehicles will be barred from entering Delhi from 10 pm on August 14 until noon on August 15.
The public is also advised to avoid bringing items such as cameras, binoculars, remote car keys, umbrellas, handbags, briefcases, transistors, cigarette lighters, tiffin boxes, water bottles, and lunch boxes.
Heightened Security Amid Cross-Border Threats
The increase in cross-border infiltrations and terror attacks in Jammu, along with the recent assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump, has led Indian security officials to heighten their security measures in Delhi ahead of Independence Day.
Security agencies have received intelligence suggesting that anti-India groups may be planning to target prominent dignitaries, key institutions, and major public gatherings.
Delhi has previously been identified as a potential target in the plans of LeT and JeM, according to a report by The Times of India on Wednesday.
Last week, the Delhi Police arrested Rizwan Abdul Haji Ali, linked to the ISIS Pune module, according to The Hindu. Ali was detained by a Special Cell squad near Ganga Baksh Marg at the Delhi-Faridabad border following a tip-off. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had previously offered a reward of Rs 3 lakh for information leading to Ali’s arrest. Authorities suspect Ali was involved in reconnaissance for a potential attack on VIPs in the Delhi-NCR region. A senior intelligence officer noted that the presence of the Prime Minister and other dignitaries at the Red Fort could make the event a target for hostile groups.
