Independence day security arrangements focus on air and water safety in New Delhi

New Delhi: Air and water security are the priorities this Independence Day. The security forces are focused on drone surveillance and aerial monitoring. Over 11,000 personnel, including army, police and paramilitary, have been deployed at Red Fort, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor against terrorism. Surveillance at water treatment plants has been enhanced after intelligence inputs suggested that there could be attempts to tamper with water supply. Commissioner SBK Singh has appointed a DCP-rank officer as the in-charge of the anti-drone system. Speed boat patrols have been pressed into service in the Yamuna sections located in the vicinity of Red Fort. "Sewerage maps have been obtained to ensure foolproof arrangement," an officer said. Two mobile command and control vehicles have been deployed for the first time. They are equipped with real-time video streaming capabilities to transmit live visuals from two districts. "They are connected to the Integrated Command, Control, Coordination, and Communication (C4i) System at Police HQ. This setup enables senior officers to directly monitor live footage and issue timely instructions to on-ground personnel," another officer explained. Spotters will be posted on high-rise buildings to monitor suspicious activity. Kite catchers have also been deployed on rooftops to prevent any kites or flying objects from entering restricted areas. To counter other potential aerial threats, anti-drone systems will be deployed to detect and neutralise all suspicious flying objects or unauthorised drones. In addition, air defence guns will provide a robust layer of protection against possible aerial attacks. AI-enabled facial recognition systems will be deployed in vehicles stationed at traffic access points leading to Red Fort. Surveillance will be augmented by temporary control rooms equipped with CCTV footage monitors to ensure a swift response to incidents and provide heightened security for the Independence Day event. Two patrol boats will keep vigil in Yamuna Khadar. The armed patrolling teams have been instructed to keep any eye out for sub-conventional aerial platforms, including manned and unmanned flying objects. "Any suspicious activity will be immediately reported to the control room. Paramilitary forces and Delhi Police personnel are jointly conducting thorough combing operations in the forested areas of Yamuna Khadar," said an officer. Around 200 buildings, mostly commercial, will be sealed. In cases where residential buildings are affected, windows facing the parade route will be sealed, the cops said. A multi-layered barricading system has also been put in place at critical locations. Around three dozen security drills have been conducted to ensure a glitch-free event. As part of the comprehensive security arrangements, around 60 companies of paramilitary forces, along with 350 commandos, will be stationed across key locations to ensure a robust security presence.To facilitate the movement of special guests, invitees and the general public attending the Independence Day ceremony, Delhi Metro will begin operations at 4am on all its lines from all terminal stations. From 4am to 6am, trains will run at a frequency of 30 minutes, after which normal service schedules will resume for the remainder of the day, the rail company officials said.