August 15 celebrations: Delhi Police start preparing 3 months in advance

There is a lot of intricate planning which goes on to ensure the safety and success of the Independence Day celebrations.

Parades, vibrant cultural events and the unfurling of the flag by the Prime Minister — that’s what’s witnessed live from the Red Fort on every Independence Day. Yet, not many are aware of the detailed preparations undertaken by the various security units, to ensure the success of these celebrations.

A photo of DCP North Jatin Narwal looking after the preparations of Independence Day. (Raajesh kashyap/ Ht Photo)

Jatin Narwal, DCP North, tells us what goes behind the scenes ahead of I-Day. “Police preparations start around three months before August 15,” says Narwal, adding, “Security arrangements are put in place, and a census of the area is conducted many times, [before the on-ground work begins].”

To make sure no loopholes come to the fore, coordination meetings with different security agencies are organised. “Right from rehearsals and the training programme, the whole staff that is deployed for the various types of duties, are given training for their respective jobs. They’re told about the precautions they should take, and how to behave with guests and visitors.They are also informed on how to behave with the other security agencies involved,” adds Narwal.

The citizens might take the false alarms lightly but the Delhi Police doesn’t! Narwal says, “We take rumors, fake calls and false security alarms very seriously. There are different units of Delhi police that investigate it.”

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