Ahead of the 77th Republic Day celebrations in 2026, the Delhi Police has launched a massive citywide community outreach programme to enhance security. The initiative, named the 'Eyes and Ears' Scheme, aims to foster active public participation in crime prevention and ensure safer neighbourhoods during the national event.
Massive Public Participation in Security Drive
The Delhi Police conducted the awareness programme across 199 police stations in the national capital, including key units at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and the Delhi Metro. According to officials, the drive witnessed an impressive turnout of approximately 10,000 representatives from various segments of society.
In a post on social media platform X, the Delhi Police stated the programme was aimed at encouraging citizens to remain alert and vigilant. The initiative focused on the timely sharing of information and collective responsibility.
Specific Guidelines for Community Groups
As part of the outreach, specific advisories were issued to different community groups to strengthen the security apparatus:
- Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs): Advised to install CCTV cameras, conduct thorough tenant verification, and monitor the entry of hawkers and vendors into residential areas.
- Market Welfare Associations (MWAs): Instructed to enhance CCTV coverage in marketplaces, preserve footage systematically, and provide regular updates to the police.
- Hotel Owners: Directed to maintain detailed records of guests and verify their identities meticulously at the time of check-in.
The police also sensitised other key stakeholders, including parking attendants, chemical sellers, and porters. SIM card vendors were reminded to strictly adhere to Department of Telecommunications guidelines, while second-hand car dealers were urged to ensure proper buyer verification and prompt transfer of vehicle ownership.
Security Context and Chief Guests
This extensive security mobilisation comes amid heightened alert. Security forces recently reported suspected movement of foreign drones in the Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir, leading to launched search operations.
For the 77th Republic Day celebrations in 2026, the chief guests will be European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. This marks a historic first, with the EU's joint leadership attending the grand parade ahead of the India-EU summit, where discussions to finalise a long-pending Free Trade Agreement are expected.
The Delhi Police's 'Eyes and Ears' scheme underscores a strategic shift towards proactive, intelligence-led policing powered by community partnership, setting a robust security framework for the upcoming national celebrations.
