The Delhi police, its Haryana and Uttar Pradesh counterparts and central security agencies have made elaborate arrangements for criminal and terrorist intelligence sharing to ensure that the Republic Day celebrations pass off without any untoward incident.
The police has identified few dozen city areas as “highly sensitive” and “sensitive” where intelligence gathering has been intensified and steps are afoot to track movements. “We will ensure foolproof security and adequate measures will be in place ahead of Republic Day,” a senior police official said.
Sources said that more than 20,000 central and Delhi police personnel have been deployed in markets, sensitive installations like Delhi Metro, hospitals, institutes and crucial intersections. The Delhi police has already set up temporary police posts around Rajpath to secure the parade route.
The police has installed CCTV cameras along the parade route to monitor all movement. “Vehicles will not be allowed to enter the parade route while Metro services will be curtailed during the parade. The borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh will be sealed on Monday night from 11 pm till Tuesday 12 noon,” a senior police official said.
The police has also deployed snipers on highrise buildings along the important routes and a multi-layer security ring will be in place at Rajpath, where President Pratibha Patil will unfurl the tricolour and take salute of marching contingents. “Special emphasis is being laid on anti-sabotage checks, access control measures and intelligence coordination. The parade route will be covered by special security and anti-terror arrangements”, he said.
“Air defence measures, including deployment of anti-aircraft guns, have been taken to check intrusion of air space,” he said. Besides, IAF helicopters will hover over Rajpath and all along the route of the parade, the official said.