As India gears up for its 79th Independence Day, Delhi has transformed into a high-security fortress, with over 11,000 security personnel, including Delhi Police, Army, paramilitary forces, and 3,000 traffic cops, deployed to safeguard the Red Fort, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver his address on August 15. The capital is under an unprecedented security blanket, with advanced surveillance and strict access controls to ensure a safe celebration.

Delhi Police Commissioner S.B.K. Singh has orchestrated a multi-layered security operation, emphasizing air and water safety. Snipers are positioned on high-rise buildings near the Red Fort, while AI-powered facial recognition, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, and under-vehicle surveillance systems (UVSS) are deployed at five parking areas to detect explosives or contraband. For the first time, UVSS technology will scan vehicle undersides, a measure prompted by recent security concerns following Operation Sindoor.

Surveillance extends beyond the Red Fort, with over 700 CCTV cameras, drone detection systems, and headcount cameras monitoring crowds and flagging suspicious objects. A ban on aerial platforms, including drones and paragliders, is enforced from August 2 to 16 to prevent potential airborne threats. Speed boat patrols along the Yamuna River and heightened security at water treatment plants address vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.

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To curb disruptions, Delhi Police, in coordination with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, has directed non-vegetarian eateries to manage waste properly to avoid attracting birds that could interfere with helicopter movements. Social media is under scrutiny by cyber units to neutralize misinformation or threats, while plain-clothed teams and night patrols bolster ground presence in sensitive zones.

Access to the Red Fort is restricted to invitation-only guests, with labeled vehicles permitted in the vicinity. Commercial vehicles are barred from entering Delhi after 10 PM on August 14, and public transport faces diversions, with Delhi Metro starting early at 4 AM to facilitate movement. Key roads, including Netaji Subhash Marg and Ring Road from Rajghat to ISBT, will be closed until the event concludes.

Commissioner Singh has ordered senior officers to conduct surprise inspections and flag marches to instill public confidence and deter miscreants. Special teams are stationed at railway stations, bus terminals, airports, and metro stations for round-the-clock passenger and baggage checks. An interstate coordination meeting with neighboring states ensures seamless security across borders, with intensified vehicle checks and anti-sabotage drills.

These meticulous measures, combining cutting-edge technology and robust manpower, aim to deliver a secure and seamless Independence Day celebration, allowing the nation to honor its freedom with pride and safety at the historic Red Fort.

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