SWAT teams, AI-powered systems & more: What goes into securing New Delhi for Independence Day?

Ahead of the 78th Independence Day celebrations, New Delhi and neighbouring states have transformed into fortresses.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag and deliver his address to the nation.

Security has been intensified and the intelligence agencies have been put on high alert following reports of anti-India elements making plans to target high-profile events.

Here’s a detailed look at how extensive security preparations are underway in the National Capital.

Police officers, SWAT teams deployed

Delhi Police has beefed up security arrangements by deploying over 3,000 traffic police officers and more than 10,000 police personnel ahead of Independence Day celebrations, as per PTI.

Snipers, elite SWAT commandos, kite catchers and sharpshooters will be also positioned at strategic locations for the security of the PM and other VVIP guests, police said.

Additional police teams and paramilitary forces have been deployed at various locations, such as IGI Airport, railway stations, bus stands, malls and markets.

The Central Industrial Security Force, which is responsible for Delhi Metro’s safety, has implemented a two-step frisking process for commuters to ensure there are no security lapses.

The areas surrounding the Red Fort will be demarcated as a “no kite flying zone” until the programme is over. Several personnel will be deployed with necessary equipment on strategic locations to intercept kites, police said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Manoj Kumar Meena said that the police are making elaborate security arrangements for more than 20,000 to 22,000 guests who will be coming to attend the programme.

“We are requesting people and even guests to come to the venue by metro. All the gates of the metro will be open. Besides, multi-layered security arrangements will be made. We are holding meetings of all the area SHOs to ensure a law and order situation. Police are fully prepared according to the inputs we have received so far,” DCP Meena said, according to the news agency.

Also read: I-Day controversy: Why AAP’s Kailash Gahlot not Atishi will hoist the flag in Delhi

AI-powered security systems

Security agencies are also deploying modern technology systems at and around Red Fort for the Independence Day celebrations.

As per ANI sources, advanced AI-powered security systems with enhanced surveillance capabilities will be installed at and around Red Fort.

A document accessed by ANI says about 700 CCTV cameras equipped with video analytics features will be strategically positioned at key locations within the Mughal-era fort premises. These features include face detection, people movement counting, tripwire, audio detection, intrusion detection, defocus, and the ability to detect missing or abandoned objects in addition to vehicle number plate recognition.

On the grounds of the Red Fort, a separate control centre has been established, from which the authorities will watch the live stream of the region, as per Business Standard.

Real-time facial recognition on both live and recorded video feeds will be possible with the improved FRS. When it finds matches with people on the “Watch List” database, it will automatically notify the control room. The algorithm can find faces that are similar across several cameras and recognise various faces inside group photos.

This year’s security measures will also incorporate a new Number Plate Recognition (NPR) technology in addition to the current facial recognition system.

Vehicle license plates will be automatically detected and recorded by this technology, which will also send out instant alerts for any violations, explained Business Today.

According to PTI citing an officer, police will also use a smartphone application to confirm attendees’ identities at the event.

In addition, the cameras will be able to identify abandoned luggage in public spaces, which is an essential safety precaution in high-risk zones.

Alarms that are zone-based can be tailored according to the importance and sensitivity of each location, reported Business Today.

Traffic restrictions

Traffic restrictions and diversions will be in place at Delhi borders for Tuesday’s full-dress rehearsal and on Independence Day.

No heavy transport vehicles will be allowed to enter Delhi from 10 pm on August 14 to noon on August 15, traffic police said, as per Hindustan Times.

General public is advised not to bring cameras, binoculars, remote control car keys, umbrellas, handbags, briefcases, transistors, cigarette lighters, tiffin boxes, water bottles, lunch boxes and more.

Also read: Independence Day 2024: From red-and-yellow to Tiranga, the long history of India’s national flag

Inputs on anti-India elements

The surge in cross-border infiltrations in Jammu, resulting in multiple terror attacks, and the assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump have prompted Indian security officials to amplify their focus on security measures in Delhi before the Independence Day celebrations.

Security agencies have received inputs on the possibility of anti-India elements making plans to target high-profile dignitaries, establishments, and iconic places with significant crowd gatherings.

“…Delhi has also been mentioned in past inputs as a potential target in the plans of LeT and JeM,” a report by The Times of India said on Wednesday.

A terrorist connected to the ISIS Pune module was taken into custody by the Delhi Police last week, as per The Hindu.

A Special Cell squad apprehended Daryaganj resident Rizwan Abdul Haji Ali near Ganga Baksh Marg at the Delhi-Faridabad border after receiving tip-off.

A reward of Rs 3 lakh had earlier been offered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for information that led to Ali’s apprehension. Authorities believe Ali participated in reconnaissance operations in preparation for a possible strike against VIPs in the Delhi-NCR area.

The Prime Minister and other dignitaries’ participation at the Red Fort makes the event a possible target for hostile groups, a senior intelligence officer told the outlet.