73rd Independence Day: President Kovind To Address Nation Today; Security Beefed Up In Delhi

In the state capital, multi-layered security arrangements are in place for the 73rd Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on August 15.

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New Delhi: On on the eve of the 73rd Independence Day, President Ram Nath Kovind will today address the nation. The address will be broadcast from 7 pm on All India Radio and DD in Hindi followed by English. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also deliver a message on the eve of the Independence Day at 6.15 PM. In the state capital, multi-layered security arrangements are in place for the 73rd Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on August 15. In view of the Centre abrogating the constitutional provisions that accorded a special status to Jammu and Kashmir and amid tensions with Pakistan, security has been tightened across the national capital and the neighbouring border areas. The multi-layered security ring, including National Security Guard (NSG) snipers, elite SWAT commandos and kite catchers, will be placed around the Red Fort. Special deployments have been made by the SPG and different components of the Army and paramilitary forces, along with around 20,000 Delhi Police personnel, including those from the traffic wing. For the first time, Delhi Police will be using cameras equipped with a facial recognition software to identify suspects around the Red Fort and the adjoining areas. There will be elaborate traffic arrangements with optimal deployment of staff and signage for public convenience.  A watch is being kept with the installation of around 500 CCTV cameras in and around the Red Fort, which will see the presence of senior ministers, top bureaucrats, foreign dignitaries and common people during the prime minister's address. The roads leading to the Red Fort will also be under surveillance.. The police have already prohibited aerial activities, including unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned aircraft systems, paragliders, paramotors, hang-gliders, micro-light aircraft, remotely-piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-size aircraft, quadcopters, till August 15. Any person contravening this order will be liable for criminal prosecution, they said. Metro services will be normal on August 15, with restrictions on entry and exit at some of the stations on the Violet Line. All metro stations will remain open on Independence Day but parking at the stations will be closed from 6 am on August 14 till 2 pm on August 15. (agency inputs) ALSO WATCH: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates permanent new LED lighting for Parliament House exterior