New Delhi has been placed under a heightened security blanket ahead of Thursday’s Independence Day celebrations, with authorities deploying advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems and over 20,000 personnel to safeguard the national capital.
Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police, Madhur Verma, said that the security apparatus integrates multiple layers of technology and human vigilance. “From a security point of view, Delhi Police have made all arrangements for the 15th August celebrations. Clubbing Delhi Police and other paramilitary services together, more than 20,000 personnel are deployed. CCTV cameras have been installed at the Red Fort and along all VVIP routes towards the venue,” he said.
Five AI-backed systems have been activated at key locations, including Facial Recognition, Anti-Intrusion Cameras, People Count Cameras, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), and Abandoned Object Detection. These are complemented by anti-drone systems and under-vehicle scanning at parking areas.
“This time, we have used video analytics in CCTV cameras, facial recognition system, abandoned object detection, person count and more. Even at the parking facility, under-vehicle scanning systems are being used. We have made multi-layered security arrangements at the Red Fort. We took access control of the Red Fort around 20 days ahead, and regular anti-sabotage checks and other measures are being undertaken,” Verma added.
Also read: Independence Day: 10,000 cops vigilant in Delhi
The Abandoned Object Detection system triggers an instant alarm if any unattended item is detected around the Red Fort, while Anti-Intrusion Cameras monitor walls and railings for suspicious activity. ANPR scans vehicle plates and flags potentially risky vehicles. Facial Recognition technology uses a database of 300,000 suspects, and the People Count system monitors real-time crowd numbers.
Over 800 CCTV cameras, FRS-enabled camera vans, snipers on rooftops, and two special control rooms, one inside and one outside the Red Fort, will oversee the security of around 25,000 attendees. A permanent control room operates year-round with 366 cameras covering the premises.
From the afternoon of August 14, the Red Fort area has been sealed. Authorities warned that any individuals from the criminal database detected near the fort would be immediately apprehended.
A multi-layer security ring will be in place on Independence Day, involving Delhi Police, paramilitary forces, National Security Guard (NSG), Special Protection Group (SPG), Military Intelligence, and other agencies.
“Kite flying is banned till the Independence Day programme continues at the Red Fort. We are making people aware around the Red Fort and in Old Delhi about this. Apart from this, flying drones is also banned. For this, we have installed anti-drone systems in coordination with various agencies. Jawans will also be deployed on rooftops to ensure no one flies kites or drones,” Verma said.
Police have appealed to the public to cooperate with security agencies, remain vigilant, act as the “eyes and ears of the police,” and immediately report any suspicious activity.
Follow us
