Facial Recognition, Drones And 4-Layer Security: How Delhi Police Is Gearing Up For Republic Day

As India gears up for its 71st Republic Day celebrations on January 26, the Delhi police has taken several security measures to tackle the eventuality of any untoward incident. Facial recognition system, drones and a four-layer security are among the measures taken up by the police. They have also deployed 10,000 security personnel to maintain vigil on the country’s Republic Day.

Republic Day marks the day when the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950. India celebrates her Republic Day with great pomp and show and the celebrations are characterised by the Republic Day parade at India Gate, Rajpath in Delhi.

This year controversial Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade. DCP (New Delhi Zone) Eish Singhal said that they have made special security arrangements for Bolsonaro. Sharpshooters and snipers will be deployed atop high-rise buildings to keep a watch on the 8-km-long parade route from Rajpath to the Red Fort on January 26, officials said.

Hundreds of CCTV cameras have also been deployed in view of the security arrangements, including at least 150 cameras in areas covering Red Fort, Chandni Chowk and Yamuna Khadar, the officials added. "We have a four-layer security arrangement. Inner, middle, outer and one along the border areas across the national capital," Singhal said.

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The main zone of Rajpath will be closed till 12 pm on Sunday. The police have also asked hotels, taxi and auto drivers to remain alert. In view of the heightened security, patrolling in public places has been intensified. "We have intensified patrolling in public places. Group patrolling, night patrolling and vehicle checking is being carried out with the help of Central Armed Police Forces. Frisking at metro stations, railway stations, airport and bus terminals has also been tightened," a senior police official said.

Police personnel have been directed to stay alert since Delhi polls are also around the corner. Anti-terror measures like tenant and servant verification, border checking, security of vital installations, malls and markets, patrolling in heavy footfall areas are being taken, they said.