Over 30,000 security personnel to guard I-Day celebrations

Over 30,000 security personnel, including those drawn from paramilitary forces, would guard the national capital on the Independence Day Friday while special arrangements have been put in place at the Red Fort where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the Tricolour.

Over 20,000 Delhi Armed Police personnel and about 5,000 of the paramilitary forces men will be deployed in central and New Delhi areas where most of the VIP movements will take place before and after the celebrations.

"A watertight security arrangement has been put in place this year. The security personal will be vigilant on roads, and restrictions for movement of traffic will be there on some roads up till noon," Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat told IANS.

In addition, over 7000 armed security men would keep vigil in and around the Red Fort owing to the threat perception to the prime minister and other leaders.

District police heads have also been asked to be on high alert.

At the Red Fort, over 200 closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) have been installed while about 500 CCTVs have been installed on all routes leading to the venue.

Paramilitary forces personnel will keep a special watch and stand guard at every road intersection to be used by the dignitaries to reach the venue.

"Some roads around the fort will remain closed from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. for the general public," said the officer.

There shall be special checking of all vehicles, both private and commercial, entering the city from the neighbouring states through border entry points from Thursday late evening till Friday evening.

Police have asked people to reach the venue by 5.30 a.m. and take the Metro instead of private vehicles as parking will not be allowed within the two kilometres of the venue. Instead, shuttle services have been arranged from Gole Market, Mori Gate and Kashmiri Gate.

Metro service will begin at 4.30 a.m. Friday instead of the usual 6 a.m.

About 15 sentry posts with armed security personnel will ensure the security of the fort, while some policemen with binoculars will be deployed at high-rise buildings.

"The residents living around the venue have been asked to keep their windows shut till the function is over," said the officer.

All borders with the neighbouring states will be sealed for heavy vehicles and only personal cars will be allowed to enter from Thursday midnight, said the officer.

Meanwhile, bomb detection and quick response teams, dog squads and officials of the Delhi Fire Service will remain on high alert.

Forty mounted policemen will keep a tab on any suspicious activity or people on the ground.