High alert, special corona arrangements at Red Fort
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from the Red Fort on Independence Day on Saturday, the historic venue has been put under a heavy multi-layered security blanket.
A security ring, including NSG snipers, elite SWAT commandos, and kite catchers, will be placed around the venue.
“The Delhi police has made multi-layered arrangements in connection with Independence Day celebrations. Necessary coordination has been made with other agencies like NSG, SPG, and ITBP.
“All the agencies will work in close coordination with each other to cater to all kinds of threat inputs. SWAT teams and Parakram vans have been strategically stationed,” said Anil Mittal, the additional PRO of police.
Over 300 cameras have been installed for security and their footage is being monitored round the clock, the police said.
There will be around 4,000 security personnel at the Red Fort and they will stand in adherence with the social distancing norms. There will be heavy security deployment on the route taken by the Prime Minister to reach the Red Fort.
This year’s Independence Day will be celebrated under the shadow of coronavirus pandemic.
The guest list has been pruned and about 4,000 plus invites have been issued to officials, diplomats, members of public, and the media.
Over 350 Delhi police personnel, who will be part of the guard of honour, have already been quarantined as a precautionary measure. These personnel of the force of all ranks — from constable to deputy commissioner of police — have been quarantined at a newly built police colony in Delhi Cantonment, it said.
The security in and around railways stations, bus stands, and airport has also been intensified.
“Security personnel have been deployed at railway stations and along the tracks. There will be no movement of trains from 6.45 am to 8.45 am on particular tracks near the Red Fort,” DCP Harendra Kumar Singh said.