Delhi security drill on Saturday

NEW DELHI: As the whole paraphernalia of US Secret Service agents, Indian intelligence agencies, National Security Guard commandos, Indian Navy and Air Force, Air Traffic Control and police personnel join hands to secure US president Barack Obama during his India visit, a full dress rehearsal — complete with a dummy president — of the security arrangements will be undertaken in both Mumbai and Delhi to help get the timing and co-ordination right.

The full security rehearsal will be conducted in Mumbai on Thursday, the Delhi dry run may be timed on Saturday. The drill in Mumbai would cover arrangements starting with the US president’s arrival at the Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport, his travel to the Taj Hotel in Colaba , most likely in a chopper, and his programmes through the day. Incidentally, Americans have been allowed to join the Air Traffic Control ( ATC) staff in monitoring the landing and takeoff of Air Force One, the president’s official carrier, as well as other US aircraft included in his entourage.

The rehearsal will also pinpoint the role of Indian intelligence agencies, police, Navy, Air Force and NSG in Mr Obama’s security drill, leaving nothing to doubt. Indian Navy vessels have already taken positions along the coastline and all inward-bound sea traffic will be curtailed during Mr Obama’s stay in Taj that dots the Mumbai coastline. Air defence will be ensured with the deployment of IAF jets and helicopters in Mumbai and Delhi skies. Also, hot balloon excursions and para-gliding within 100 km around the spots to be visited by the president will be banned.

During the dress rehearsal, a dummy president will travel on all the routes to be taken by Mr Obama. “This will help in ruling out any co-ordination issues between the US secret service and the police personnel, besides getting the timing of the VVIP movement right,” said a senior official overseeing security arrangements.

NSG sharpshooters will take positions on high rises both in Mumbai and Delhi. Especially in Delhi , NSG commandos will man rooftops of buildings that fall along his route as he travels to Humayun’s tomb, Raj Ghat and Parliament House. Shops in Nizamuddin area along his route to Humayun’s tomb will be shut on November 7.