20,000 security personnel, NDRF and 1,000+ CCTVs: Delhi fortifies Red Fort ahead of Independence Day

New Delhi is witnessing a massive security buildup ahead of Independence Day, with around 20,000 security personnel being deployed around the Red Fort and adjoining areas to secure the venue for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s traditional August 15 address.

The security arrangements have been designed as a multi-layered network involving the Delhi Police, paramilitary forces, commandos, the National Security Guard (NSG), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and specialised response teams. The deployment comes as authorities prepare for large crowds and potential security threats during the Independence Day celebrations.

According to details reported by PTI, the security grid includes NSG teams, specialised ‘hit teams’ and snipers positioned at strategic locations. Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) will also be stationed at key points, including watchtowers, to respond rapidly to any emerging threat.

DCP North Raja Banthia said personnel from several Delhi Police units would be involved in the operation. These include the Traffic Unit, North District teams, local police, PCR personnel, Special Branch and Special Cell, apart from general security units.

“Personnel from all these divisions will be deployed,” Banthia said, adding that several paramilitary companies, commandos and NSG teams would also be stationed in the area.

An NDRF force will be kept on standby to deal with emergencies and other contingencies during the celebrations.

More than 1,000 cameras deployed

Technology forms a major component of this year’s security arrangements. More than 1,000 CCTV cameras have been installed at the Red Fort and surrounding areas, with dedicated control rooms monitoring the feeds.

Authorities have also deployed advanced video analytics, including facial recognition systems, number plate recognition technology and intrusion detection systems. The technologies are being used at different locations based on security requirements.

Some police personnel will additionally be equipped with body-worn cameras to strengthen surveillance and documentation on the ground.

Security agencies are also maintaining a close watch on possible drone threats. Anti-drone systems have been deployed around sensitive locations to detect and counter unauthorised aerial activity.

Police teams are simultaneously monitoring social media platforms for suspicious or potentially threatening activity ahead of the national celebration.

Banthia said security briefings and training sessions had been completed and that the force was fully prepared for the event.

Delhi conducts major counter-terror exercise

The extensive deployment comes alongside a large-scale counter-terrorism preparedness exercise conducted across Delhi.

The Delhi Police, NSG and several central and state agencies participated in the fifth edition of “Sudarshan Shakti-V”, conducted from 10 am on August 7 until 4 am on August 8 under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The exercise was designed to test the response of security and emergency agencies to multiple simultaneous threats.

Authorities created several simulated terror scenarios, including simultaneous explosions, indiscriminate firing, hostage situations, an aircraft hijacking and attacks involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear or explosive materials.

The drills were carried out at several strategically important locations across the capital, including ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Connaught Place, Nehru Place, IGI Airport, Red Fort Metro Station and Kalkaji Mandir.

The exercise was aimed at assessing coordination between agencies, response times and the ability of security forces to handle multiple emergencies occurring simultaneously.

With Independence Day only days away, the combination of a large personnel deployment, extensive CCTV surveillance, specialised counter-terror teams, anti-drone technology and emergency-response units reflects the heightened security posture being maintained across the capital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the nation from the Red Fort on August 15, making the historic monument one of the most heavily secured locations in Delhi ahead of the celebrations.