Tight security in Delhi ahead of R-Day

New Delhi, Jan 16 (PTI) Thousands of security personnelwill fan across the national capital in the run-up to theRepublic Day celebrations to keep a tight vigil over the cityto ensure that no untoward incident take place.

Elaborate security and traffic arrangements have beenmade for the Republic Day parade on January 26 and its fulldress rehearsal this Sunday, Satyendra Garg, JointCommissioner of Police (Traffic), told reporters here today.

"All arrangements have been made. 150 companies (15,000personnel) from paramilitary and other state forces will bedeployed besides Delhi Police personnel. Another 1,500 trafficpolicemen will also be on streets," he said.

A massive ground-to-air security apparatus has been putin place for the parade.

Snipers will be deployed at high-rise buildings whilearound 100 CCTVs will keep a tight vigil on people''s movementbetween Rajpath and Red Fort, the route of the parade whichshowcases India''s military might and cultural diversity.

Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters ofNational Security Guards will be deployed at various placeswhile paramilitary and Delhi Police commandos will keep aclose watch.

A multi-layer security ring has already been put in placeat Rajpath, where President Pratibha Patil will unfurl thetricolour and take the salute of marching contingents.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will bethe chief guest at the parade, which will also be attended byPrime Minister Manmohan Singh and the country''s top politicaland military brass.

"A special emphasis is being laid on anti-sabotagechecks, access control measures and intelligence coordination.

The entire route of the parade will be covered by specialsecurity and anti-terror arrangements.

"Elaborate air defence measures, including deployment ofanti-aircraft guns, have also been taken to check intrusion ofair space," a senior police official said.

Besides the air defence measures, helicopters of theIndian Air Force will hover around Rajpath and all along theroute of the parade.

Patrolling in crowded market areas has been intensifiedand checking and frisking in Metro, railway stations and busterminals tightened. Security at the IGI airport was alsostrengthened in coordination with the CISF.

Checking and frisking have also been intensified at allentry points with police setting up barricades to keep a vigilon all those entering the capital.