5-tier security cordon around Rajpath today

AROUND 60,000 PERSONNEL FROM DELHI POLICE AND PARAMILITARY FORCES HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED ACROSS THE CITY

NEWDELHI: A huge ground-to-air security apparatus has been put in place at Rajpath and central Delhi areas for the Republic Day celebrations.

A five-tier security cordon will be in place in areas around Rajpath where thousands of people will witness the Republic Day parade from 9 am.

Dependra Pathak, special commissioner of police and chief spokesperson of Delhi Police, said people visiting the parade venue will be searched and frisked at five different points before they reach their seats. Around 60,000 security personnel from Delhi Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed across Delhi to keep a tab on anybody who foment trouble during the function.

“At least 1,000 CCTV cameras have been installed on the parade route from Vijay Chowk to Red Fort. A special control room has been set up to monitor the cameras,” said Pathak.

A total of 550 trained commandos of the National Security Guard (NSG), Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Delhi Police have been deployed in and around the Rajpath and stretch between Vijay Chowk and India Gate.

The commandos are equipped with fully automatic Beretta assault rifle , high-tech communication gadgets, body armour, protective helmets, knee pads and gloves, etc.

The security agencies have also installed 450 door frame metal detectors through which every visitor will have to pass through before reaching the main venue.

Police officials have been maintaining a tight vigil at strategic points. All market places have been put on alert. The police has deployed dog squads in key market areas.