Over 10,000 police, 3,000 traffic personnel equipped with hi-tech surveillance, including under-vehicle systems, FRS and ANPR cameras, will be deployed in Delhi ahead of the Independence Day.
With two days left for Independence Day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, multiple layers of security will be in place at the historic structure. Besides the physical deployment, surveillance through CCTV cameras, drone detection systems, and facial recognition technology will be used to monitor the venue and its surrounding areas, a senior police officer said on Tuesday.
In a first, under-vehicle surveillance systems (UVSS) will also be deployed at five parking areas of the Red Fort, which will scan the underside of vehicles for explosives, weapons or contraband. The threats will be detected by using cameras and scanners technology.
Headcount cameras to track crowd numbers and devices to flag unattended or suspicious objects will also be deployed, while intrusion-detection cameras will monitor the restricted zones, the officer said. Delhi Police Commissioner S B K Singh has directed the special police commissioner (law and order) and deputy commissioners to maintain strict vigil in their respective jurisdictions, he said.
Snipers and rooftop surveillance teams will be deployed to secure the high-rises near the Red Fort, while movement in the designated restricted zones will be strictly regulated through access control mechanisms, the officer added. Apart from multiple security drills, night patrolling and enhanced foot patrolling, plain-clothed surveillance teams are being mobilised to strengthen ground presence, especially in the sensitive zones, another officer said.
"Social media platforms are also being closely monitored by the cyber units to detect and neutralise any possible online threats or misinformation campaigns that may disrupt peace," the officer said.
Anti-sabotage checks, vehicle barricading, and verification drives are being intensified in coordination with the intelligence agencies, officials said.
Commissioner Singh has also issued an order banning the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms such as paragliders, hang-gliders, UAVs, drones, hot air balloons and other remotely piloted aircraft over Delhi skies between August 2 and August 16.
"These aerial platforms can be potentially misused by anti-social elements or terrorist outfits for para-jumping or launching airborne attacks, posing a serious threat to public safety, VIP security, and critical installations during the Independence Day celebrations," an official order said.
The district police personnel has been given the directions to conduct foot patrolling in the markets, Metro stations, bus terminals, and other public gathering places, with the senior officers to remain on the groundm reviewing the security arrangements personally.
Surprise inspections and flag marches will also take place across various districts to instill confidence among the citizens and deter the miscreants. Delhi Traffic Police has issued strict instructions, restricting commercial vehicles from entering the capital after 10 pm on August 14, among others.
Delhi Police is working in close coordination with the central security agencies and intelligence units to ensure that no loopholes remain in the security apparatus during this critical period, officials said.
Special teams have been deployed at all the major railway stations, inter-state bus terminals, airports, and Metro stations for round-the-clock monitoring. Passenger screenings, baggage checks, and random identity verifications have been intensified, the officials said.
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