Amid the preparations for Indias 77th Independence Day celebrations, Delhi has been wrapped in a security blanket with over 10,000 police personnel manning around the Red Fort from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the nation, said the police.According to the police, approximately 1,000 cameras with facial recognition and video analytic systems have been installed in and around the fort and at other strategic locations to ensure security and monitor VVIP movements. Delhi on high alert ahead of I-day celebrationThe Delhi Police spokesperson, Suman Nalwa said, “The entire Delhi Police is on alert. Elaborate security arrangements have been made, the exercise for which started around three-four months ago. Anti-terror activities are also being done to check the areas in the districts near the venue. Tenant verification drives are also being carried out with RWA (residents welfare associations) and MWA (market welfare associations) members.”Further, the official also briefed about the technologies used to ensure security, saying “AI-based facial recognition CCTV cameras have been installed. Anti-drone technology is also being used for security.” “Adequate traffic arrangements have been put in place. The traffic police have also issued an advisory. We urge the people to follow the advisory. The borders (of Delhi) will be closed for heavy vehicles from Monday night and others entering the city will be checked. We are keeping a strict vigil on social media as well,” the Delhi Police spokesperson added.The Gyan Path in front of Red Fort will be decked with flowers and G20 signages, But, there will be no major decorations on the forts from where PM Modi is set to address the nation.Government invites 1,800 special guests from across IndiaIn the much-awaited event of the country, the government has invited around 1,800 special guests from pan India to attend the programme. 75 couples from each state and Union Territory, in their traditional attire, have been invited to witness the ceremony. Sarpanches of vibrant villages, nurses, fisherfolk and labourers engaged in the construction of the Central Vista project are also among the special invitees.“This year, more than 20,000 officials and civilians will take part in the Independence Day celebrations. Gyan Path is being decorated with flowers and G20 signages,” a police officer said.All units are doing their best for the I-Day celebrations, said Special Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) HGS Dhaliwal.He said, “All the checks are being implemented with related agencies. It is a big arrangement and all the units are doing their jobs. The G20 summit is in three weeks, due to which there is more sensitivity. We had seen that a week before the Republic Day celebration, anti-national and Khalistan-related graffiti appeared on walls in areas of west Delhi. Two people were arrested in this connection.”Taking notes from the most recent clashes that happened in Haryanas Nuh district, he said that strict vigil is being ensured amid the same.Briefing about the arrangements, Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Dependra Pathak said, “Independence Day will be celebrated with full enthusiasm this year with no COVID-19 restrictions in place. Therefore, robust deployment of police will be ensured.” “We will also coordinate and share real-time information with other agencies. The Delhi Police will also use technology for security. We are on our toes and conducting rehearsals,” Pathak said.Anti-drone systems installed Following convention, anti-drone systems have also been installed at Red Fort. All anti-terror measures have been initiated, including the installation of air defence guns. Snipers, elite SWAT commandos and sharpshooters will be positioned at strategic locations for the security of the prime minister and other VVIP guests.The forces will remain on high alert to monitor any untoward incident. Moreover, the police have intensified patrolling and deployed extra pickets at vital installations based on intelligence inputs from central agencies in the national capital.During the I-Day celebration, stringent checking is also being carried out at the borders and the police have warned of strict action against anyone trying to disrupt law and order in Delhi.Red Fort is now no kite flying zoneTill the completion of the grand programme, the areas surrounding the Red Fort premises have been demarcated as a no kite flying zone.In 2017, a kite landed just below the podium during Modis Independence Day address, however, continued with his speech.“The Delhi Police has also intensified patrolling and anti-sabotage checks. Hotels, guest houses, parking lots and restaurants are being checked and verification of tenants and servants is being carried out. Meetings are also being held with RWA and MWA members,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Sagar Singh Kalsi said.Apart from kites, it is also prohibited to fly any sub-conventional aerial platforms including paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, unmanned aerial vehicles, microlight aircraft, remotely-piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-size powered aircraft, quadcopters or para-jumping from aircraft over the jurisdiction of the National Capital Territory of Delhi up to August 16.
