Security measures in place for I-Day

Over 25,000 personnel deployed in city

Unprecedented security measures have been put in place for the Independence Day celebrations on Friday that is expected to see about 10,000 people in attendance.

 Over 25,000 security personnel, including about 5,000 from paramilitary forces, have been pressed into service to ensure smooth passing of celebrations.

Around the Red Fort itself, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation, over 10,000 personnel have been deployed. The personnel will be strategically placed at every intersection near the Red Fort to guard dignitaries headed to witness the PM unfurl the Indian tricolour.

The Red Fort will also be watched by about 200 CCTV cameras while the routes leading to it from 7, Race Course Road will have 500 of them keeping a watch. Officials at a control room in Red Fort will monitor the live footage. Security has been heightened on the route which will be taken by the PM who will also lay a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial before reaching the Red Fort.

“A watch on the happenings inside the Red Fort will be kept by armed security personnel positioned in sentry posts surrounding the fort. Some personnel with binoculars will be deployed at high rise buildings to keep a close watch,” a senior police officer said.

About four dozen policemen will move around on the ground within the fort to keep a mobile watch on suspicious elements. In addition, bomb detection teams, dog squads, commando units of Delhi Police and Delhi Fire Service Department will be kept on the standby. Safe houses within the fort have also been readied to rush in the PM and other dignitaries if the need arises.

“People having houses or business establishments within a kilometre radius of the fort have been advised to keep their windows from early morning closed till 9 am,” he officer added.

An increased number of Delhi Police and CISF personnel have been pressed into service at Metro and other railway stations, bus terminals, airport, and crowded market places.