Independence Day Celebration: Delhi Police Issues Traffic Advisory; 1,000 Face Recognition Cameras, Kite Catchers Installed

Ahead of India's 77th Independence Day celebration, Delhi will witness a high-security vigilance across streets from Monday onwards. Police said that keeping in mind the recent violence in Haryana's Nuh and adjoining areas, a strict vigil is being ensured.

Sharing details of the security arrangements, Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Dependra Pathak said, "Independence Day will be celebrated with full enthusiasm this year with no COVID-19 restrictions in place. Therefore, a robust and adequate deployment of police will be ensured." He added,  "We will also coordinate and share real-time information with other agencies to provide security. The Delhi Police will also use technology systems for security purposes. We are on our toes and doing rehearsals."

Among several security arrangements are facial recognition systems, video analytic systems, anti-drone systems, air guns and so on that have been installed in place at the Mughal-era Red Fort here, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on August 15.

Around 1,000 AI-monitored facial recognition cameras have been installed in and around Red Fort, at strategic locations, to monitor movements while anti-terror measures have been initiated, including the installation of air defence guns. Snipers, elite SWAT commandos and sharpshooters will be positioned at strategic locations for the security of the prime minister and other VVIP guests. 

Further, areas surrounding the Red Fort have been declared as "no kite flying zone" and a total of 153 kite catchers will be deployed with the necessary equipment at strategic locations to intercept kites, the police said, adding that the residents of areas near the Red Fort have been asked not to fly kites till the event is over. 

Tight security checks are being carried out in the border areas and the entry of heavy vehicles to the national capital has been stopped from Sunday midnight. 

"The Delhi Police has also intensified 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. Meetings are also being held with RWA (resident welfare associations) and MWA (market welfare associations) members," Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Sagar Singh Kalsi said. 

Police had on Thursday imposed prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 in areas such as Rajghat, ITO and Red Fort ahead of Independence Day.

"In view of Independence Day celebrations, Section 144 of CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) has been invoked in areas nearby Rajghat, ITO, Red Fort etc.  No gathering of any kind is permitted in these areas," police posted on X.

Meanwhile, the government has invited over 1,800 special guests for the Independence Day celebration where over 20,000 officials will take part in the event. 

Delhi traffic advisory 

The Delhi Traffic Police on Sunday issued an advisory for vehicular movement on Tuesday. 

Roads around Red Fort, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on August 15, will remain closed from 4 am to 10 am to the general public except authorised vehicles.

 

Eight road stretches -- Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, Nishad Raj Marg, Esplanade Road and its link road to Netaji Subhash Marg, Ring Road from Rajghat to ISBT and Outer Ring Road from ISBT to IP Flyover -- will remain closed for general traffic on Tuesday, the advisory said issued on Sunday said.

Vehicles that do not have parking labels for Independence Day may avoid C-Hexagon, India Gate, Copernicus Marg, Mandi House, Sikandra Road, W Point, A Point Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, BSZ Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg, J L Nehru Marg, Ring Road between Nizamuddin Khatta and ISBT Kashmere Gate, and Outer Ring Road from Nizamuddin Khatta to ISBT Kashmere Gate via Salimgarh bypass, it said.

Goods vehicles will not be permitted between Nizamuddin Khatta and Wazirabad Bridge from 12 am Monday to 11 am Tuesday. Interstate buses will not be allowed between Maharana Pratap ISBT and Sarai Kale Khan ISBT from 12 am Monday to 11 am Tuesday, the advisory stated.

Local city buses, including from the DTC, should not move on Ring Road from 12 am Monday to 11 am Tuesday between ISBT Kashmere Gate and Ring Road - NH-24 (NH-9)/NH T-point (Nizamuddin Khatta) and should take available alternative routes, it said.