Anyone driving into the Delhi Assembly will soon find their vehicle checked from below and their face photographed at the gate. The Assembly is overhauling its security after earlier bomb threats and other security incidents, Speaker Vijender Gupta said on Monday. The upgrade covers visitors, legislators, officers and staff. Gupta said the measures are meant to prevent trouble, spot potential threats early and make the premises safer for everyone who enters.
Eight watchtowers are being built at chosen points on the front and rear of the complex, including behind the reception. One has been completed. Personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will be posted at the towers to watch the premises, keep an eye on vulnerable areas and respond quickly to anything suspicious.
A separate patrolling track is being built for the CRPF so that its personnel can walk the boundary all the way around the complex. About 70 per cent of the work is done. Automatic sliding doors are being installed at Gates 1 to 5 to regulate entry. Hydraulic blocking bollards have been put in place at sensitive entry points to stop unauthorised vehicles.
Under Vehicle Surveillance Systems have been installed at Gates 2 and 5 to inspect vehicles entering the premises. The Assembly said they will help security personnel identify suspicious vehicles and detect potentially fraudulent number plates for further checks. At Gate 1, flap barriers with photographic identification are being installed. These will strengthen the verification of people entering the complex and keep a record of entries. A Radio Frequency Identification system will identify and record vehicles coming in, allowing vehicle movement to be monitored more systematically.
The premises now have about 120 CCTV cameras. The Assembly has asked Delhi Police to identify more dark spots and vulnerable locations where cameras can be installed, to close gaps in surveillance. At the reception, a Digital Management System has been installed to speed up visitor registration and verification. It takes a photograph of the visitor and records relevant details, including the purpose of the visit. The Assembly said this would improve entry management and accountability.