Security – Red Fort placed under tight watch ahead of Independence Day celebrations
Security –Red Fort security arrangements have been significantly strengthened ahead of the August 15 Independence Day celebrations, with Delhi Police turning to facial recognition, fingerprint checks and an extensive CCTV network to maintain close surveillance around the historic venue.
The security plan covers not only the monument but also several kilometres of the surrounding area. Officials are preparing for a large gathering that is expected to include nearly 25,000 people, among them senior officials, VIPs and VVIPs.
Thousands of personnel to guard the venue
Around 15,000 to 20,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel are expected to be deployed for the Independence Day event. The force will be responsible for crowd management, access control, surveillance and security checks before and during the programme.
Security agencies have also divided the area into closely monitored zones so that suspicious activity can be detected and addressed quickly. Personnel will remain stationed at key points around the monument and along important routes leading to the venue.
Fingerprint screening through Abhigyan app
One of the key technology-based measures being used this year is the Abhigyan application. Police officials said the system contains information on more than one crore criminals and is being used to help identify people who may pose a security concern.
During the screening process, police personnel are using handheld devices to collect fingerprints from randomly selected individuals in the crowd. The fingerprints are then checked against the available database, with the system producing a result within seconds.
A red indication alerts officers that a matching criminal record has been found, while a green result indicates that no criminal record has been detected in the database. Police teams can then take appropriate action based on the information available to them.
Facial recognition cameras expand surveillance
Alongside the fingerprint-based checks, nearly 1,000 CCTV cameras have been installed at and around the Red Fort. A number of these cameras are equipped with facial recognition technology, allowing security teams to keep a closer watch on people moving through the area.
A dedicated high-tech CCTV control room has been established inside the monument. Police personnel, along with technical teams, are monitoring camera feeds continuously to identify unusual movement or other potential security concerns.
The surveillance system has also been extended beyond the immediate premises of the Red Fort. Officials said cameras and monitoring arrangements cover several kilometres around the monument, creating a wider security perimeter for the national celebration.
Snipers and anti-drone systems deployed
Physical security measures have been strengthened as well. Snipers are expected to take positions at strategically important locations, including elevated platforms, to maintain visibility over the crowd and surrounding areas.
Anti-drone systems have also been deployed as part of the security arrangements. The measure is intended to guard against unauthorised aerial activity near the venue during the Independence Day programme.
A senior officer from the North district Computer Cell said the combination of the Abhigyan application and facial recognition technology has improved the police’s ability to identify suspicious individuals. According to the officer, the use of these systems has added another layer to the overall security arrangements.
With a large number of people expected to attend the celebrations, authorities are relying on a combination of manpower, surveillance technology and specialised security equipment to keep the Red Fort and its surrounding areas under close watch throughout the event.