Security has been tightened ahead of the 66th Independence Day celebrations here with the city police making elaborate arrangements to ensure a peaceful day.
“The Red Fort area has been divided into three security zones and 6,000 police personnel will be deployed in the area during the event. As many as 58 CCTV cameras would be installed in the periphery of the Red Fort,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Sindhu Pillai.
The three security zones will be handled by officers of the level of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police. Each zone has been further divided into 15 sectors. Around 18 machans and 49 morchas will be put in place at the fort on Wednesday.
“Security agencies are constantly reviewing arrangements and have zeroed in on the safe houses where the Prime Minister and other leaders will be taken to, in case of a terrorist strike,” Pillai added.
In addition, officials added, patrolling of the skies by helicopters will also be put in place around the venue. Besides, thousands of Delhi police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in and around the city. Specialised units like Swat and Vajra are being deployed.
Meanwhile, vehicle parking at the Delhi metro station will be closed due to security reasons. “Parking at all the metro stations will remain shut till 2pm on Wednesday,” said a statement issued by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
Parking of vehicles will not be allowed at and around the India Gate. Road-side parking on any of the roads leading to the India Gate such as the Rajpath, Man Singh Road, Janpath, Ashoka Road, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Tilak Marg, Purana Quila Road, Sher Shah Road, Zakir Hussain Marg, Pandara Road, Shahjahan Road, Akbar Road will not be allowed, said senior police officials.