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- 20,000 personnel deployed for multi-layered Independence Day security.
- Advanced surveillance with facial recognition, anti-drone systems at Red Fort.
- Counter-terrorism exercise "Sudarshan Shakti-V" enhanced preparedness.
Security arrangements in Delhi have been tightened for Independence Day with the deployment of around 20,000 personnel and a multi-layered surveillance network around the Red Fort, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make an address.
According to news agency PTI, the security arrangements include the deployments by paramilitary forces along with Delhi Police units, NSG teams, commandos, sniper teams and specialised 'hit teams'.
DCP details arrangements
DCP North Raja Banthia said the security deployment would include Delhi Police personnel from the Traffic Unit, local police, PCR, North District teams, Special Branch and Special Cell, in addition to NSG and paramilitary units.
"Personnel from all these divisions will be deployed. Additionally, numerous paramilitary companies, commandos, and NSG teams, including ‘hit teams’ and snipers, will be stationed here," he said.
NDRF units will also be on their toes to respond to any potential contingencies, DSP Banthia said. "Our Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) will be deployed at strategic points, including on watchtowers," he added.
To keep an eye on the city ahead of and during the high-security event on August 15, over 1,000 CCTV cameras will be used. Surveillance will be done through facial recognition and number plate detection systems around the Red Fort and the nearby areas.
Emphasising the use of technology, Banthia said that more than a thousand cameras have been installed at the Red Fort and surrounding areas specifically for Independence Day. With a control room staffed by highly trained personnel.
"We have control rooms staffed by highly trained personnel dedicated to monitoring these feeds, and we have established specific points for on-ground response teams to act quickly", he added.
He added that video analytics have been incorporated, such as Facial Recognition Systems (FRS), number plate recognition, and intrusion detection based on specific needs.
Some cops will also be equipped with body-worn cameras. To counter any drone threats and mischief, anti-drone systems have been put in place.
Active monitoring of social media platforms is also being done. "We are fully prepared on all fronts, with all briefings and training sessions completed. We are on track," Banthia said.
Counter terrorism exercise
One of the biggest threats to the national event is terrorism harboured across the border. To assess preparedness for a possible terror attack, the Delhi Police and the National Security Guard (NSG), along with several central and state agencies, conducted a joint counter-terrorism exercise across the national capital.
Under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the fifth edition of "Sudarshan Shakti-V" was also conducted on August 7 and August 8.
Under this, drills around multiple simulated terror scenarios were held. These scenarios included simultaneous blasts, hostage situations, an aircraft hijacking, indiscriminate firing, and CBRNE attacks at prominent locations, including ISBT Kashmiri Gate, IGI Airport, Connaught Place, Nehru Place, Red Fort Metro Station and Kalkaji Mandir.