From Swat Commandos to NSG snipers, how Red Fort was guarded today
New Delhi, Aug 15: SWAT commandos, NSG snipers and facial recognition software were part of a thick security blanket to secure the Red Fort where Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag on the 73rd Independence Day on Thursday.
Around 500 CCTV cameras were been installed around the venue, where ministers, bureaucrats, foreign dignitaries and common people will gather to hear the prime minister address the nation.
Army, paramilitary forces and 20,000 Delhi Police personnel were also deployed. The roads leading to the Red Fort were under surveillance and police personnel took help of sniffer dogs to check vehicles in north and central districts of Delhi.
Modi continues with his tradition of sporting the 'safa' on Independence Day
Several roads leading to the Red Fort were barricaded for security purpose with heavy deployment of police personnel at every point in and around it.
Special "spotters" are keeping an eye on parking areas and kite catchers will ensure a distraction-free event at the Red Fort.
To identify suspects around the historic Red Fort, police are using cameras with facial recognition technology, while anti-drone detection system has been deployed to secure the skies.
"We have made an extensive security arrangement for those coming to the Red Fort. Drills have been rehearsed," Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Nupur Prasad said, adding special control rooms will monitor alerts and coordinate with security agencies.
Officials said that Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) units and specially-equipped 'Parakram' vans are being stationed at crucial junctions.
Key take-aways from Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech
Police personnel are regularly conducting anti-sabotage drills and making enquiries at hotels for possible suspects lodging there. Police have prohibited aerial activities, including paragliding, hot-air balloons and quadcopters, until August 15 around the Red Fort.
Any
person
violating
the
order
will
be
liable
for
criminal
prosecution,
officials
said.
The
Delhi
Metro
has
not
announced
any
change
in
its
services
on
August
15,
but
there
will
be
restrictions
on
entry
and
exit
at
some
stations
on
the
Violet
Line.
Parking
areas,
however,
have
been
closed
until
2
pm.