Security tightened on eve of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launch

Security was tightened in Valmiki Colony in central Delhi and nearby areas Wednesday on the eve of the launch of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Delhi Police and other security agencies are keeping a strict vigil in Valmiki Colony and nearby areas prior to the much-anticipated launch of Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan from here Oct 2.

Valmiki Colony, housing mostly safai karamcharis of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is seeing some hectic cleaning activity for approximately the last two weeks.

Barricades have been put up and buildings spruced up. Security agencies are closely monitoring all high-rise buildings located in the vicinity of Valmiki Colony since 2 p.m. Wednesday.

"At least 2,000 Delhi Police officials along with other security agencies will be deployed at specific locations in central and New Delhi districts from today (Wednesday) night," a police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told IANS.

"Before the prime minister's visit to the Valmiki Colony, several quick reaction teams along with some Delhi Police officials in plainclothes will also be deployed," the official said.

Snipers will keep an eagle eye on the entire route of the prime minister's cavalcade.

Traffic will be diverted at different places, including Raj Ghat, Valmiki Colony and India Gate.

Modi is scheduled to arrive at the colony at 8 a.m. Thursday and visit the quarters in Valmiki Sadan where Mahatma Gandhi had stayed. After this, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is expected to be launched.

Two Delhi metro stations will also remain closed for over two hours.

Between 7.15 a.m. and 7.45 a.m. Thursday, passengers will only be allowed to exit Udyog Bhavan and Central Secretariat Metro stations.

"No entry or exit of passengers will be allowed at Udyog Bhavan and Central Secretariat Metro stations from 7.45 a.m. to 10.05 a.m. as trains won't be stopping at these stations during this period," said a police official.

"Metro services on all other lines will be run as per normal schedule throughout the day," Executive Director (Corporate Communications), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Anuj Dayal said.