Drones, boats, kite catchers, spotters and more; how New Delhi is locking down during Independence Day 2025
In anticipation of Independence Day celebrations, Delhi has implemented unprecedented security measures, focusing on air and water safety. Over 11,000 personnel are deployed at Red Fort, with heightened surveillance at water treatment plants and along the Yamuna River. Advanced technology, including anti-drone systems and AI-powered facial recognition, complements ground forces to ensure a secure and seamless event.
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Ground security
Security preparations for this year's Independence Day celebrations have reached an unprecedented level of vigilance, with a dual focus on air and water safety.In the wake of Operation Sindoor against terrorism, more than 11,000 personnel from the Army, police, and paramilitary forces have been deployed at the Red Fort, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver his national address, reported TOI.Intelligence inputs have prompted heightened surveillance at water treatment plants amid fears of possible tampering. A Deputy Commissioner of Police has been tasked with overseeing the anti-drone command. Speed boat patrols now monitor stretches of the Yamuna near the Red Fort, while sewerage maps have been secured to close any potential security gaps.For the first time, two mobile command and control vehicles with real-time video streaming are being deployed, feeding live visuals from two districts directly to the C4i system at Police Headquarters. This setup allows senior officers to issue instant directives to ground units.TOI further reported that spotters will keep watch from high-rise buildings, while 'kite catchers' stationed on rooftops will prevent any flying objects—whether playful or suspicious—from entering restricted airspace. Sophisticated anti-drone systems will detect and neutralise unauthorised aerial incursions, complemented by air defence guns as an additional safeguard.AI-powered facial recognition will be used at traffic checkpoints leading to the Red Fort. Temporary control rooms equipped with live CCTV feeds will support rapid incident response. In Yamuna Khadar, two patrol boats and armed teams are on constant watch for sub-conventional aerial platforms, with joint combing operations conducted by paramilitary and Delhi Police forces in surrounding forested zones.Around 200 buildings along the parade route are being sealed, with windows facing the event cordoned off. Multi-layered barricades have been placed at key points, backed by roughly 60 companies of paramilitary forces and 350 commandos stationed across strategic locations.Security drills—nearly three dozen so far—have fine-tuned the readiness of on-ground teams. To ensure smooth travel for dignitaries and visitors, Delhi Metro will begin services at 4 a.m. on all lines. From 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., trains will run every 30 minutes before resuming their normal schedule, TOI added in its report.With these layered defences—combining advanced technology, boots on the ground, and meticulous planning—officials aim to ensure a seamless and secure Independence Day celebration in the capital.
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