GUWAHATI: A high alert has been issued in the national capital amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, with intense cross-border shelling in various border areas, including Jammu.
Following the rising tensions, the Delhi government has invoked comprehensive security measures to provide safety to citizens and prepare for any eventualities.
All city government employees have been asked to report for duty, and their leaves have been suspended until further notice. The department of services under the Delhi government issued the orders late in the evening as part of the readiness plan.
To secure public spaces, the country's iconic symbol India Gate, a favorite tourist destination and stroll spot, was evacuated, and traffic in the vicinity was tightly controlled. Police officers issued warnings calling on individuals to vacate the area, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
District magistrates from around the city had emergency meetings with their officials to gauge the preparedness of health and disaster management departments. The officials reported that review meetings emphasized building robust emergency response mechanisms, ensuring disaster relief teams and hospitals were on alert to move immediately if needed.
A quick response mechanism was being examined for vulnerabilities by an East Delhi official, who added that the identified gaps were being plugged right away.
Security has been highly enhanced across Delhi, with paramilitary troops being deployed at strategic installations. Special commissioners in every zone are working closely with deputy commissioners in all 15 districts of the capital, police sources said. The top-level meetings are intended to provide a cohesive and effective response across Delhi's extensive administrative setup.
The state of high alert follows a foiled attempt by the Pakistani army, which tried to strike major sites such as Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, and some of the cities in Punjab and Gujarat. Indian forces were able to thwart the attempts and reportedly demolished a Pakistani air defense system at Lahore, pushing the regional tensions even further.
Inside the city, every Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) has been directed to minutely supervise his jurisdiction. DCPs are briefing Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) and Station House Officers (SHOs) actively, while law enforcement officers are visibly enhancing patrolling in sensitive areas. Surveillance has also been heightened in public spots like malls, metro stations, hotels, airports, and residential complexes.
In East Delhi, DCP Abhishek Dhania confirmed that thorough security checks have been conducted at critical public infrastructure like the Mayur Vihar Phase-1 Metro Station. The check included CISF officials and included coordination meetings to optimize security operations. The station is now under watch of 41 CCTV cameras, with a special team of security officials posted in each shift to provide round-the-clock protection.
In the meantime, the Bomb Disposal Squads (BDS) have carried out anti-sabotage operations at strategic points. DCP (Southwest) Surendra Choudhary said that these inspections were crucial in enhancing readiness against possible threats and securing public areas.
Police screening has been heightened throughout Delhi, especially around the city's entry points. All incoming vehicles into the capital are being closely scrutinized as part of the tightened security drill. With the police maintaining intense night vigil and more forces in place in soft targets, Delhi continues to stay on alert as authorities prepare for any likely contingencies related to the ongoing fighting.
ALSO READ:
ALSO WATCH: