Taj Mahal Fortified: Drone, AI-Proof Shield Adds New Security Layer To India's Most Visited Monument
Security agencies have deployed advanced anti-drone technology to guard the 17th-century UNESCO World Heritage site against emerging aerial threats
An AI-proof, drone-neutralising security layer has now been added to shield the Taj Mahal – India's most visited monument.
Security agencies have deployed advanced anti-drone technology to guard the Taj Mahal, which is a 17th-century UNESCO World Heritage site, against emerging aerial threats.
The installation of this advanced security system, boasting an 8-km detection range, forms part of stringent measures implemented particularly in the wake of Operation Sindoor. The state-of-the-art technology is capable of detecting, disabling, and neutralising hostile UAVs within seconds; thus, ensuring enhanced protection for the architectural marvel.
ADVANCED ANTI-DRONE SYSTEM INSTALLED
The newly installed anti-drone system at the Taj Mahal has an operational range of 8 km and is capable of tracking, detecting, and neutralising drones within a 500-metre radius of the monument.
Developed in response to increasing security threats, including drone-based incursions and the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in disinformation campaigns, this system represents a significant technological leap in the protection of heritage sites in India.
Authorities successfully conducted a mock drill at the Dussehra Ghat near Yamuna river, where the anti-drone system detected and disabled an incoming UAV within seconds. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Taj security) Sayed Areeb Ahmad said the system not only detects drones from all directions but also identifies the launch location of the device.
'This ensures not just interception but also accountability. Any drone entering the no-fly zone will immediately trigger enforcement and legal action against its operator," he said.
The urgency was felt after Operation Sindoor – the Indian Air Force strikes that destroyed terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) – heightened fears of retaliation.
FAKE FIRE VIDEO SPARKS ALERT
Just days later, a fake video circulated on social media showing the Taj Mahal engulfed in flames, misleading the public and raising concerns among authorities about the weaponisation of AI-generated content.
The alarming clip, shared via Instagram with the caption – 'Taj Mahal on Fire: Pakistan Attacks' – was quickly flagged by the Agra police cyber unit. The video was confirmed to be AI-generated, and a case was filed against the individual responsible.
'There is zero tolerance for such misinformation. It not only spreads panic but also undermines national security," DCP Sonam Kumar said.
HISTORIC SECURITY MEASURES
The threat to the Taj Mahal is not new. During the 1942 World War II era, the monument was camouflaged using bamboo scaffolding and green fabric due to fears of Japanese aerial attacks.
Similar precautions were taken during the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistan wars, with local residents recalling how the entire structure, including its dome and minarets, was carefully covered to avoid detection from enemy planes. The memories from those days still linger in Agra.
Local residents remember the night-time blackouts and the spirit of civilian defence that prevailed. Now, in a vastly different era, instead of nets and covers, it is algorithms, radars, and jamming technology that protect the Taj.
The anti-drone system – capable of performing 'soft kills' by jamming drone signals – is designed to neutralise threats without physical collision. It includes radar for detection, GPS jammers for neutralisation, and command-control modules that allow human operators to assess and act in real time.
JOINT VIGILANCE AND TRAINING
Security personnel have undergone a week-long training programme to operate the equipment efficiently. The system is jointly monitored by the Agra Police and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), who are responsible for securing both the monument and its vicinity.
Flying drones near the Taj remains strictly prohibited under the 'no-drone zone' directive, and violators will face strict penal action. Officials are also planning the deployment of a CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) response team to handle unconventional threats.
'If ever there's a chemical or radiation-based emergency, the CBRN team will ensure rapid evacuation and secure disposal of hazardous material," ACP Sayed Areeb Ahmad added.
Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
tags :
Artifical intelligence Drones Taj Mahal
Location :
Agra, India, India
First Published:
June 02, 2025, 07:00 IST
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
31 minutes ago
- News18
Punjab Police conducted raids at 301 locations; arrests 38 drug smugglers
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], August 16 (ANI): Continuing the war against drugs 'Yudh Nashian Virudh" waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 168th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 301 locations on Saturday leading to the arrest of 38 drug smugglers after registration of 28 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached 25,909 in 168 days, said an official release. The raids have resulted in the recovery of 620 grams of heroin and 1612 intoxicant tablets/capsules from the possession of arrested drug operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the CM Bhagwant Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab a drug-free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 100 Police teams, comprising over 900 police personnel, under the supervision of 70 gazetted officers, have conducted raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 316 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy– Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)– to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of 'De-addiction' has convinced 33 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today. Earlier on Thursday, in a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive against organised crime launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police's Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) arrested two most-wanted operatives of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang from Patiala-Ambala Highway near village Shambhu and recovered an Austrian-made 9mm Glock pistol along with six live cartridges from their possession. (ANI)
News18
an hour ago
- News18
India, South Korea resolve to set new industrial ambition in high-tech sectors
Agency: PTI New Delhi, Aug 16 (PTI) India and South Korea on Saturday resolved to expand their strategic partnership by setting new 'industrial ambition" in the areas of semiconductor, defence, clean energy, and artificial intelligence. Ways to ramp up the overall bilateral cooperation figured prominently in talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his visiting South Korean counterpart, Cho Hyun. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Jaishankar and Hyun agreed to set new industrial ambitions, especially in high-tech sectors such as AI, semiconductors, clean energy, shipbuilding, and the defence industry. The ministers took stock of bilateral cooperation, including in the political, security, trade and economy, technological, and people-to-people domains, it said. In a social media post, Jaishankar described the talks as 'productive". 'Held productive discussions on advancing our bilateral cooperation in trade, manufacturing, maritime and people-to-people exchanges as well as new opportunities in AI, semiconductors, clean energy and defence," he said. Jaishankar said he and Hyun also exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific region and contemporary global developments. 'Appreciated our deepening convergences and growing engagement as our Special Strategic Partnership completes 10 years," he added. In his opening remarks at the meeting, Jaishankar also thanked Seoul for its condemnation of the horrific April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The external affairs minister also made a mention of Seoul's support to an Indian parliamentary delegation that visited South Korea in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. 'You have been barely a month in the job (as the foreign minister), the fact that you are here literally a day after your National Day, and our National Day, says a lot really about the value we attach to the relationship," Jaishankar said. The India-South Korea ties have been on an upswing in the last few years, especially in the areas of trade and defence. The MEA said Jaishankar and Hyun reaffirmed the strong and growing 'special strategic partnership" between the two countries. The partnership is rooted in shared democratic values, mutual trust, shared economic interests, and commitment to regional and global peace and stability, it said. 'The ministers also shared their assessment on regional and global issues of common interest," the MEA said in a statement. PTI MPB VN VN view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Delhi top cop suspends 8 officers over absence during Janmashtami duty
Eight police officers, including an inspector-rank officer from Northwest Delhi's Shahbad Dairy police station, were suspended after they were found absent from duty near an ISKCON temple in the area during Delhi Police Commissioner SBK Singh's visit on Saturday. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer-North) Hareshwar Swami confirmed the development. According to officers, the Delhi Police Commissioner conducted a ground-level inspection in various parts of the Capital on Saturday. The police had stepped up security arrangements outside several temples and prominent markets across the city amid celebrations for Janmashtami. In the morning, when the Police Commissioner arrived at the ISKCON temple in the Shahbad Dairy area, it was found that the personnel assigned to Gate Number 2 were not present, said officers. The Police Commissioner, officers said, immediately instructed the District Police Head to take the matter seriously and ordered the suspension of the responsible officers. 'As of now, eight personnel have been found missing, after which the suspension orders were issued. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated to determine if more personnel were absent,' a senior police officer said. Singh has instructed all the Special CPs that show-cause notices should be issued to concerned ACP (sub-division) and district DCPs for not keeping proper supervision of their staff. He also directed them to make an adverse entry in this regard in the annual performance appraisal report of concerned ACP (sub-division). Singh, a 1988-batch IPS officer, took charge as the Delhi police chief earlier this month. In a recent meeting held at Delhi Police headquarters, he reiterated that there was 'zero tolerance' for corruption in the force, said officers.
