Delhi under thick security blanket ahead of Independence Day

As the country gears up for the 78th Independence Day celebrations, a heavy security cordon has been thrown around the national capital with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to lead the celebrations in Delhi.

PM Modi will unfurl the Tricolour at the ramparts of the Red Fort on Thursday morning and deliver his customary address to the nation from there. Delhi Police have significantly intensified the security to ensure a secure and peaceful event. These include increased surveillance by installing AI-based cameras, extensive vehicle checks, and enhanced patrolling across the city.

Security personnel have been deployed in and around the Red Fort, and bomb disposal staff have been carrying out checking of the nearby vicinity of Red Fort along with the dog squad.

The Delhi Police has implemented advanced CCTV analytics around the Red Fort. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) North, Manoj Kumar Meena said that this is to reduce human error and ensure any suspicious movements are promptly detected and addressed. "Every year on August 15, Delhi Police makes tight arrangements. This time, arrangements are being made to accommodate around 22,000 attendees comfortably. CCTVs have been installed in the area surrounding the Red Fort to ensure security," DCP Meena said.

Special cameras were installed on the Door Frame Metal Detector (DFMD), which will be connected to the facial recognition system to keep a check on invitees coming to Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day. Delhi Police, along with Border Security Force personnel, have been patrolling the Yamuna. The raids are being monitored through binoculars in the Yamuna.

As per the police, more than 10,000 security personnel, including Delhi Police and paramilitary jawans, have been deployed in and around the Red Fort and other crucial locations in central and north Delhi.

In central Delhi, the Delhi Police have set up a CCTV Control Room at Tughlaq Road Police Station.
 This control room is equipped with feeds from 437 newly installed CCTV cameras across the city, allowing real-time monitoring of potential threats. Inspector Pradeep Rawat of Delhi Police said, "By monitoring the CCTV cameras' feed, we communicate information about any suspicious movement or vehicle to the patrolling team in the area."

Security protocols are being strictly followed to protect high-profile guests and officials. DCP New Delhi, Devesh Mahla, emphasized, "In view of VVIP security on August 15, adequate forces including local police and CAPF will be deployed as per SOP and based on inputs." Central Delhi is particularly fortified, with additional measures concentrated around the Red Fort.

"In view of the celebrations, the police also conducted mock drills ahead of Independence Day. "Our dedicated force will manage the movement of VVIPs, and we appeal to citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity," DCP (New Delhi) Devesh Mahla said.

To further bolster safety, Delhi Police have engaged in a variety of preventative actions. Posters of wanted terrorists have been displayed in prominent areas such as Khan Market, and patrols by Delhi Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) are active along the Yamuna River, Sarojini Market, and Lajpat Nagar among other crowded markets.

Additionally, security assessments have been conducted at various hotels, and illegal guest houses in South East Delhi have been sealed. ADCP South East Harsh Indora said, "Our force is deployed across the district. Vehicles are being thoroughly checked, and CCTV cameras are continuously monitored."

In anticipation of large crowds and potential security risks, security forces have ramped up their operations at the airport also. At IGI Airport's Terminal 3, a comprehensive vehicle check is underway with the assistance of a specialized dog squad.

To further enhance security, the Red Fort area has been divided into multiple zones, each covered by surveillance cameras. A makeshift control room has been established within the Red Fort premises, staffed around the clock by various security agencies to oversee operations and coordinate responses.

The theme of this year's Independence Day is 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047'. The celebrations will serve as a platform to provide a renewed push to the Government's efforts towards transforming the country into a developed nation by 2047, a PMO release said earlier.

According to the release, around 6,000 special guests have been invited to witness the celebrations at Red Fort this year with the aim to increase Jan Bhagidari in this festival of national fervour. These people from different walks of life categorised as youth, tribal communities, farmers, women and other special guests, have excelled in various fields with the help of various government schemes/initiatives.

Students benefiting from the Atal Innovation Mission & PM SHRI (Prime Minister's Schools for Rising India) scheme, and volunteers of Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) & National Service Scheme under 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' will attend the event. The guests also include Tribal artisans/Van Dhan Vikas Members and Tribal Entrepreneurs funded by National Scheduled Tribes Finance & Development Corporation; and beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and representatives of Farmers Producing Organisations.

Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) & Anganwadi workers; elected women representatives; beneficiaries of Sankalp: Hub for Empowerment of Women, Lakhpati Didi & Drone Didi initiatives and Sakhi Kendra scheme; and workers of Child Welfare Committee & District Child Protection Units will also witness the ceremony.

The Indian contingent which took part in the recently-concluded Paris Olympics has also been invited to participate in the celebrations. One guest from each block of the Aspirational Blocks Programme; workers of Border Roads Organisation; students from the PRERANA School programme; and sarpanches of Gram Panchayats which achieved saturation in priority sector schemes will also attend the event.

Nearly 2,000 people from various States/Union Territories dressed in traditional attire have also been invited to witness the grand ceremony. Three thousand (3,000) winners of different online competitions, organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with MyGov and Akashvani, will also be part of the celebrations.