Security has been beefed up ahead of the 79th Independence Day in Delhi with the deployment of over 11,000 security personnel, including from Delhi Police, Army, and Paramilitary forces to be stationed near the Red Fort where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Nation.
On Friday, PM Modi will address the nation from the Red fort, with comprehensive security measures in place.
Multiple layers of security, including Snipers, Under-Vehicle Surveillance Systems, Foot Patrolling, will be implemented to safeguard the event, with restrictions in place for commercial vehicles and specific roads around the Red Fort.
On Thursday, the Delhi Traffic Police announced restrictions on commercial vehicles entering the city after 10 PM as part of heightened security measures for Independence Day celebrations and to ensure smooth traffic flow and maintain security.
Special teams have been stationed at all major railway stations, inter-state bus terminals, airports, and metro stations to provide round the clock monitoring.
Officers stated that passenger screenings, baggage inspections, and random identity checks have been stepped up.
Adding to it, they said security has also been heightened at water treatment plants to safeguard critical installations in the national capital, and special attention is being given to the north and central districts of Delhi.
Delhi Police Commissioner S. B. K. Singh has appointed a DCP-rank officer to supervise the anti-drone mechanism, officials said, adding that surveillance along the Yamuna has also been strengthened with the deployment of speed boats
On Wednesday, Singh briefed the officers on the security arrangements, issuing a key directive to ensure the removal of bird feeding points near the Red Fort.
“A coordinated effort between the Delhi Police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has led to instructions for non-vegetarian eateries to properly dispose of food waste to prevent attracting flocks of birds,” a senior police officer said.
Commissioner Singh has also issued an order prohibiting the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms—including paragliders, hang-gliders, UAVs, drones, hot air balloons, and other remotely piloted aircraft—over Delhi’s airspace from August 2 to August 16.