Daijiworld Media Network - Delhi

Delhi, Aug 15: The national capital is on high alert ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, with more than 25,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel deployed across the city to maintain law and order.

A multi-layered security grid has been put in place around the Red Fort, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag and address the nation.

Elaborate security arrangements, including more than 1,000 CCTV cameras and artificial intelligence-based video analytics, are being used to monitor the Red Fort and its surrounding areas.

“We have elaborate security arrangements, keeping in mind the incidents witnessed in the capital last year,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia said.

The security plan includes multiple layers of checking and screening at entry points and around the Red Fort, along with a dedicated anti-terror response mechanism to deal with any possible threat or emergency.

More than 25,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed at strategic locations across the city, including the Red Fort and other sensitive areas.

“Advance liaison, mock drills and advance intimation have been carried out so that all agencies are prepared and there is a coordinated response in case of any emergency,” Banthia said.

More than 1,000 CCTV cameras have been installed inside and outside the Red Fort to maintain close surveillance. The cameras are linked to systems equipped with AI-based video analytics, while live feeds are being monitored from a dedicated control room.

The surveillance system will help security personnel detect suspicious activity, crowd-related issues and other law and order situations in real time, enabling response teams to act swiftly.

“If a law and order situation emerges, we will respond immediately. Response teams are ready and deployed at strategic locations,” Banthia said.

Security personnel are also regulating the movement of people and vehicles around the Red Fort. Checking and screening measures are being carried out while ensuring minimum inconvenience to visitors and invitees.

Police and specialised response teams are maintaining heightened surveillance at vital installations, public places, markets, transport hubs and other sensitive locations across the city.

Security agencies are maintaining close coordination and sharing inputs to ensure a swift and coordinated response to any emerging threat. Mock drills and advance coordination exercises have also been conducted to familiarise personnel with emergency response procedures.