This Independence Day, as part of a new security system, only functionally required and absolutely essential uniformed and civilian personnel will be allowed access to the ramparts of the Red Fort, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation. Security agencies have also marked out over 5,000 trees around the Red Fort and its surroundings to ensure “no man or material was lodged there” even as it is carrying out a census of the residents in the nearby areas to identify new tenants and strangers.
“It has been noticed that a large number of uniformed as well as civilian personnel are present on the ramparts. It should be ensured that only functionally required and absolutely essential personnel are allowed access to the Ramparts,” the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has stated.
And taking note of availability of small drones, micro light aircrafts, hang-gliders and paragliding equipment with terrorist outfits and their plans to use them for carrying out attacks, the MHA has directed the security agencies to take counter measures against any possible aerial attacks. The attacks could be through paragliders, para motors, microlight aircrafts and remote-controlled aero modules, said sources, adding a strict watch is in place over possible launch sites and open grounds ahead of the 71st Independence Day on August 15.
The MHA has asked its Defence counterpart to ensure that normal radar surveillance are put at low, medium and high levels. “Air defence guns and medium machine guns too are ready to deal with conventional aerial threats besides banning of operations of small drones, micro-light aircraft, hang-gliders and paragliders within 300 kms radius of Delhi and NCR areas from August 12,” they said.
The MHA, sources said, has pointed out that terrorists now have air power and the possible use to target the sensitive event may change the dynamics of security preparations. Intelligence agencies had earlier reported that some Pakistan-based terror outfits are using drones similar to those used for photography and video shooting by modifying them to mount a circuit to release explosives through small 10-volt battery.
“Deployment of Air Defence Guns up to 4 km from the venue of the function with communication links with the Air Defence Direction Centre (ADDC) would need to be made. The gun positions have been finalised. The Delhi Police will provide officers at each location to liaise with the Air Defence officers in this regard. To counter the threat from Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPV), including remote-controlled aircraft (RCA) and paragliders/hanggliders sites /open grounds or spaces that may allow their lift off should be identified and suitably secured by patrolling and deployment of security forces,” the note said.
The MHA has also directed security forces that since microlight aircraft and hanggliders have the capacity of being operated not necessary from the airport but even from anywhere it is necessary that highways patrolling by district police should be intensified to combat and check any such eventuality.
Delhi Police officials said that five to six layers security arrangements will be put in place for Independence Day celebrations at the historical Red Fort this year. The preliminary security arrangements began in June and senior police and Intelligence officials have been regularly updating them to weed out any shortcomings and glitches.
This year, the number of CCTV cameras has been increased to extensively cover the route to be taken by the Prime Minister and other dignitaries to reach the Red Fort.
According to police sources, panoramic photography will be used to ensure a close watch on the 805 balconies and 504 windows that open towards the Red Fort. Kite flying, balloons, Chinese lanterns or similar objects from areas in front of the Red Fort or in its vicinity have also been banned.