Independence Day 2022: Multi-Layer Security Cover At Red Fort, 7,000 Invitees Expected For PM Modi's Address

Independence Day 2022: Around 7,000 invitees will arrive at the Red Fort from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on I-Day.

New Delhi: A multi-layered security cover has been put in place at the Red Fort from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Independence Day, officials said on Saturday. According to the police, around 7,000 invitees will arrive for the I-Day event.

Facial recognition system (FRS) cameras have been installed at the entry point of the Red Fort while over 10,000 police personnel will be deployed around the monument on Monday, officials told news agency PTI.

The police have also deployed over 400 kite catchers and fliers on rooftops and other sensitive locations in the fort area to counter any threats from sub-conventional aerial platforms. A five-kilometre area around the Red Fort will be a "no kite flying zone'' till the tricolour is hoisted at the monument on Independence Day.

Anti-Drone Systems Deployed In Delhi

Anti-drone systems from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and other security agencies have also been installed.

"We have installed high resolution security cameras at and around the Red Fort and their footage is being monitored round the clock. This time, the number of invitees has increased to 7,000. FRS cameras have also been deployed at the entry point of the Mughal-era monument," a senior police officer said, as quoted by PTI.

He informed that lunch boxes, water bottles, remote-controlled car keys, cigarette lighters, briefcases, handbags, cameras, binoculars, umbrellas, and similar items will not be allowed at the Red Fort premises.

Dependra Pathak, Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) mentioned that provisions of Section 144 have already been instituted in Delhi. Anyone seen flying kites, balloons, or Chinese lanterns from August 13 to August 15 till the end of the programme at Red Fort will be punished.

"Kite catchers have been deployed with necessary equipment on strategic locations and they will prevent any kind of kite, balloon and Chinese lanterns from reaching the function area. Radars will be deployed at Red Fort to counter any threats from sub-conventional aerial platforms and manned or unmanned flying objects," he said, as per PTI.

Around 1,000 High-Specification Cameras To Be Installed In North, Central & New Delhi District Units

Notably, the Delhi Police on Friday recovered over 2,200 live cartridges near Anand Vihar Inter State Bus Terminal and arrested six people in connection to this matter.

The police personnel are also carrying out massive checks for Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). They have been briefed about adequate security, training, and deployment as per plans.

PTI reported officials as informing that around 1,000 high-specification cameras will be installed in the North, Central, and New Delhi district units to contain aerial objects. These cameras will also help monitor the VVIP route to the monument.

The Delhi Police have also enhanced patrolling and anti-sabotage checks. Hotels, guest houses, parking lots, and restaurants are being checked and verification of tenants and servants is being carried out, the officials said.

On July 22, the police issued an order prohibiting the flying of aerial objects such as paragliders, hang gliders, and hot air balloons. The directive will remain in force till August 16.

(With Agency Inputs)