New Delhi: With the New Year and Republic Day celebrations approaching, the Delhi Police along with central security agencies have begun a series of security coordination meetings and verification drives across the national capital to prevent any untoward incidents, officials said on Sunday.

Large-scale security measures are already underway in sensitive areas, with teams conducting thorough checks on people staying or moving in these localities. These verification drives, which have been ongoing for the past month, aim to identify suspicious persons and activities, ensuring that public celebrations proceed safely. Police officials said that in collaboration with civic agencies, CCTV cameras have been installed and are being monitored round-the-clock in areas perceived to be at higher security risk.

A senior officer explained that surveillance has been heightened across key localities, with additional drone monitoringbeing deployed to keep an eye on sensitive zones. Meetings are also being held with local peace committees across different districts to maintain communal harmony and to discourage the spread of rumours.

Police teams have meticulously checked CCTV camera movement, recording systems, and stored footage at hotels and other establishments. Proper maintenance, record-keeping, and verification of guest databases are being ensured as part of these security arrangements. “We have prepared robust security arrangements,” the officer said, emphasizing the multi-layered approach adopted for the festive season.

For New Year’s Eve, nearly 20,000 personnel, including traffic police and paramilitary forces, will be deployed across the city. Multiple pickets, barricades, and vehicle-checking points will be set up, especially at entry points, party zones, popular markets, and nightlife hubs. Security has also been intensified at Delhi’s borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, anticipating a large influx of visitors from neighbouring states.

Special emphasis is being placed on traffic enforcement. The traffic police have devised a detailed plan to counter drunken driving, rash driving, and dangerous motorcycle stunts. Breath analysers will be extensively used at checkpoints, and strict action will be taken against violators. Teams have been instructed to immediately impound two-wheelers and four-wheelers found engaging in reckless stunts or driving under the influence of alcohol.

High-footfall areas such as Connaught Place, Hauz Khas Village, major markets, and malls will have special traffic arrangements. At Connaught Place, for instance, only vehicles with valid entry stickers will be allowed into the Inner Circle. Additional forces will be deployed around India Gate, while station house officers have been instructed to remain on streets with their teams throughout the night. Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) have been stationed at strategic locations to respond swiftly to any emergencies.

In addition to traffic and crowd management, verification and safety checks will continue at hotels, guest houses, dharamshalas, night shelters, bus terminals, and railway stations. These checks form part of ongoing routine verification drives to ensure that no illegal or suspicious activity goes unnoticed.

Officials emphasised that the coordination between Delhi Police and central agencies is being strengthened to respond to any emergency quickly, while maintaining law and order during high-risk celebrations. Public cooperation and adherence to safety regulations are being encouraged to ensure smooth and secure festivities.

The measures reflect a multi-pronged approach, combining surveillance, intelligence sharing, crowd management, traffic enforcement, and community engagement to safeguard residents and visitors in the national capital during the upcoming New Year and Republic Day celebrations.