Delhi: 11,000 security personnel to guard Red Fort for Independence Day

The national capital is being fortified for Independence Day with snipers at highrise buildings heightened camera surveillance across the city and more than 11000 security personnel and 3000 traffic police for security in and around the Red FortPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday will address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort Delhi Police the Army and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in the area for the day with multiple layers of security in placeDelhi Traffic Police has issued strict instructions restricting commercial vehicles from entering the capital after 10 pm on Thursday among othersSpecial teams have been deployed at all the major railway stations interstate bus terminals airports and metro stations for roundtheclock monitoringPassenger screenings baggage checks and random identity verifications have been intensified the officials saidSecurity has also been stepped up at water treatment plants to protect vital installations in the national capital they said adding that a special focus is on north and central districts in DelhiDelhi Police Commissioner S B K Singh has designated a DCPrank officer to oversee the antidrone mechanism they said adding that surveillance along the Yamuna has also been intensified with speed boats deployed in the riverOn Wednesday Singh briefed officers on the arrangements with a key directive to ensure there are no bird feeding points in the areas surrounding the Red FortiquestThe Delhi Police in coordination with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi MCD has asked nonvegetarian eateries to dispose of food waste properly so flocks of birds are not attractediquest a senior police officer saidThis measure aims to prevent any disturbance to helicopter movement on August 15Officers were also instructed to remain alert and ensure that all arrangements are executed on time Traffic personnel were briefed to enforce restrictions and maintain smooth vehicular movementApart from physical deployment surveillance through CCTV cameras drone detection systems and facial recognition cameras and ANPR automatic number plate recognition cameras will be used to monitor the venue and its surrounding areas a senior police officer saidFor the first time undervehicle surveillance systems UVSS will be deployed at five parking areas of the Red Fort to scan the underside of vehicles for explosives weapons or contraband the officer saidThe technology uses cameras and scanners to detect threats or anomalies bolstering security at the checkpoints and sensitive locationsThe admission to Red Fort on August 15 is strictly through invitation cards and only labelled vehicles will be allowed in its vicinity the officer saidHeadcount cameras to track crowd numbers and devices to flag unattended or suspicious objects will also be deployed while intrusiondetection cameras will monitor the restricted zones the officer saidThe special police commissioner law and order and deputy commissioners have been directed to maintain strict vigil in their respective jurisdictions he saidSnipers and rooftop surveillance teams will be deployed to secure the highrises near the Red Fort while movement in the designated restricted zones will be strictly regulated through access control mechanisms the officer addedApart from multiple security drills night patrolling and enhanced foot patrolling plainclothed surveillance teams are being mobilised to strengthen ground presence especially in the sensitive zones another officer saidSocial 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 saidMore than 10000 security personnel and 3000 traffic cops including paramilitary forces and special commandos have been deployed for the Independence Day week police saidAntisabotage checks vehicle barricading and verification drives are being intensified in coordination with the intelligence agencies officials saidCommissioner Singh has also issued an order banning the use of subconventional aerial platforms such as paragliders hanggliders UAVs drones hot air balloons and other remotely piloted aircraft over Delhi skies between August 2 and August 16These aerial platforms can be potentially misused by antisocial elements or terrorist outfits for parajumping or launching airborne attacks posing a serious threat to public safety VIP security and critical installations during the Independence Day celebrations an official order saidAll district police units have been directed to conduct foot patrolling in the markets Metro stations bus terminals and other public gathering pointsSenior officers have been told to remain on the ground and review the security arrangements personallySurprise inspections and flag marches have also been planned across various districts to instil confidence among the citizens and deter the miscreants officials saidDelhi 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 saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever