Snakes, monitor lizards on radar of security forces at Red Fort Security on high alert, 10,000 personnel to guard Old, Central Delhi
IDAY Delhi Police have also put in place a massive security net to deal with terrorist threats
Terrorism and sabotage are not the only threats that would keep Delhi Police on their toes during Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort on Tuesday.
Poisonous snakes and monitor lizards in the Mughal-era fort are also a concern for security agencies. And police are not taking any chances as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver his speech and VIPs will gather there.
For the first time, police have sought the forest department’s help to catch these slithery reptiles if they surface.
“We have been conducting checks and reconnaissance over the past few days. During our recce, we spotted some snakes and monitor lizards. We have sent a request to the wildlife officials to send in trained personnel so that these animals could be captured,” said a senior police officer.
Not only could snakes bite unwary visitors, a mere sight of these animals could trigger panic. Snakes and other animals have earlier been trapped by forest officials and NGOs from various parts of the city including Parliament House, the prime minister’s residence, airport and Delhi assembly among others
“This is the first time that we have received a request from the police. Our men would be there along with a few trained NGO personnel,” said a forest official.
The forest department, which has just two wildlife inspectors left, has in turn got in touch with Wildlife SOS, an NGO dealing with wildlife rescue and rehab.
“We would be honoured to assist the government and police and be a part of the Independence Day security arrangements,” said Wasim Akram manager of Wildlife SOS (special projects).
The Delhi Police stepped up security ahead of the Independence Day on Tuesday.
Police said they have deployed paramilitary personnel to complement the 80,000 strong city police in securing the city. Areas around the Walled City, especially around the Red Fort where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give his Independence Day speech will be closed for vehicle movement. Police said NSG commandos and snipers of Delhi police commando unit will be posted atop buildings in and around Red Fort. At least 10,000 police personnel will be posted in Old and Central Delhi.
Police said the threat perception in the backdrop of alleged terrorists arrested last week is “very high” this year. Over the last few days, police have been conducting stringent checks across the city. Police have taken over 500 CCTV cameras on rent and installed across the Walled City. CCTV cameras have also been placed at the route, the Prime Minister and other guests will take on their way to the Red Fort. A senior officer said that even the road dividers, where plants are kept on the Ring Road leading to the Red Fort, have been sanitised. Police said they have scanned each tree near the Rajghat, where the Prime Minister is likely to visit on Tuesday.
The traffic police have blocked most of the routes around Red Fort and parts of New Delhi.
Areas such as Connaught Place, India Gate C Hexagon will be closed past midnight.