Delhi Fortifies Security for Independence Day: 20,000 Personnel, Anti-Drone Systems Deployed
With India's 78th Independence Day just days away, the Delhi Police has implemented a comprehensive security grid around the Red Fort and along designated VIP routes. Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 police personnel, supported by thousands from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the Border Security Force (BSF), have been stationed to ensure the safety of the national celebration on August 15.
Security preparations began two months ago, with personnel conducting door-to-door mapping of households and businesses in North and Central Delhi, particularly in areas bordering the Red Fort and the routes that will be used by dignitaries. The meticulous planning aims to identify potential risks and ensure a seamless security cover during the Prime Minister's address to the nation from the historic monument.
The heightened alert follows a fake bomb threat email received by the police last week. While the source of the threat has not yet been traced, officials have said they are closely monitoring social media platforms and are fully prepared for any untoward incident. The police have reassured the public that all necessary measures, including counter-intelligence operations, are in place.
Technology is playing a pivotal role in this year's security arrangements. Over 1,000 CCTV cameras—including stationary, number-plate recognition, and AI-enabled devices—will monitor visitors and the area surrounding the Red Fort. In addition, some police personnel will be equipped with body-worn cameras to provide real-time oversight. Niharika Bhatt, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police-I (North), explained that this system will help keep an eye on the movement of people during the ceremony and flag any suspicious elements, objects, vehicles, or individuals in the crowd.
Three Facial Recognition System vans, fitted with 360-degree cameras, will capture live feeds and match them against existing criminal databases. The police have also deployed the 'Abhigyan' application, linked to the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), to quickly identify persons with criminal antecedents. This technology-driven approach is expected to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of security operations.
In line with standard protocol, the area around the Red Fort has been declared a no-drone zone. Anti-drone systems have been deployed to detect and neutralize any unauthorized aerial activity. This measure addresses the growing concern over the use of drones for surveillance or attacks.
The security deployment has also been extended to the Delhi University campus, where hundreds of police personnel and a large number of vehicles have been stationed. This move comes ahead of the student union elections, a period when the university is expected to see increased movement of students and election-related activities. The police have stated that this is a precautionary measure to ensure a peaceful environment on campus.
Delhi Police have appealed to citizens to cooperate with security personnel and follow guidelines during the Independence Day celebrations. They have urged the public to report any suspicious activity via emergency helplines. The comprehensive arrangements underscore the commitment to safeguarding the nation's most significant day of national pride.
