With Independence Day just days away, Delhi has stepped up security around the Red Fort, deploying around 20,000 personnel and a multi-layered surveillance network to secure the venue for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s August 15 address.
The security arrangements include Delhi Police units, paramilitary forces, commandos and NSG teams, including snipers and specialised ‘hit teams’, while over 1,000 CCTV cameras, facial recognition and number plate detection systems have been deployed around the Red Fort and adjoining areas, news agency PTI reported.
DCP North Raja Banthia said the security deployment would include Delhi Police personnel from the Traffic Unit, North District teams, local police, PCR, Special Branch and Special Cell, along with general security personnel.
“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.
He added that an NDRF force will also be present to respond to any potential contingencies. Furthermore, our Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) will be deployed at strategic points, including on watchtowers.
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CCTVs, body-worn cameras and more
{{/usCountry}}Also Read: Defence ministry issues Independence Day invites with Vande Mataram lyrics
CCTVs, body-worn cameras and more
{{/usCountry}}On technical deployment, Banthia said over a thousand cameras have been installed at the Red Fort and surrounding areas specifically for Independence Day. "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.
The police have incorporated video analytics, such as Facial Recognition Systems (FRS), number plate recognition, and intrusion detection, at various locations based on specific needs.
Additionally, some police personnel will be equipped with body-worn cameras. Anti-drone systems are in place to counter any drone threats, and are actively monitoring online social media chatter. "We are fully prepared on all fronts, with all briefings and training sessions completed. We are on track," Banthia said.
Counter-terrorism exercise
In addition to the security deployment, to assess preparedness for possible terror attacks, 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.
The fifth edition of "Sudarshan Shakti-V" was conducted from 10 am on August 7 to 4 am on August 8 under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Delhi Police said, according to news agency PTI.
Multiple simulated terror scenarios, including simultaneous blasts, indiscriminate firing, hostage situations, an aircraft hijacking and CBRNE attacks, were created at prominent locations, including ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Connaught Place, Nehru Place, IGI Airport, Red Fort Metro Station and Kalkaji Mandir.
(With inputs from agencies)