Unprecedented security cover around Red Fort

Thousands of armed security personnel today kept a hawk-eyed vigil over the capital, especially around the Red Fort and surrounding areas where Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the national flag and delivered his Independence Day address to the nation.

Thousands of security personnel, including 5,000 men from Delhi Police, were deployed to ensure foolproof security in and around the historic Mughal fort which saw the presence of senior ministers, top bureaucrats, foreign dignitaries and common people.

A multi-layer security cover was also thrown around Rajpath where a seven-day cultural festival 'Bharat Parv' is underway. All the government buildings, including North Block and South Block, are being illuminated after sunset.

At the Red Fort, a special team of NSG snipers and commandos formed the inner layers of the security cordon while anti-aircraft guns were deployed to thwart any aerial intrusion by objects like drones and projectiles, senior police officials said.

Delhi Police had prohibited aerial activities, including para-gliding, flying UAVs and hot air balloons, across the city till October 10.

Also, police surveyed the areas in the vicinity of the Red Fort and collected details of over 9,000 people residing there. The buildings facing the monument were secured by police and paramilitary personnel.