Republic Day parade will be watched from ground, air and space

NEW DELHI: Unprecedented security measures have been put around Rajpath on the eve of Republic Day with police personnel, including NSG troopers, being deployed to keep an eye on the parade route. TOI accessed some exclusive details of the security apparatus and found that the area will be under surveillance by three-dimensional radars which will scan the airspace over the stretch as well.

Rajpath has been divided into 13 zones, each to be manned by a special team headed by a DCP rank officer. Around 2,000 security personnel will be guarding just the main stage.

The most unique feature of the security apparatus is that all security passes will be made on the spot to avoid duplication. "Each security personnel will need to be identified by his team member for the pass," said a senior officer.

Sources say that extra caution is being taken while making the passes in the wake of inputs that terrorists may infiltrate the area using fake identity cards.

Around 45,000 personnel will be deployed in New Delhi district in areas like Rajpath, India Gate, Vijay Chowk, South Block, North Block, Nirman Bhawan and Shastri Bhawan, etc, apart from vital embassies in Chanakyapuri.

Delhi Police officials will be manning the entry points to Rajpath area and all those entering the area will have to go through a four-layer security check.

Visitors have been asked to be seated at the venue at least three hours before the parade is scheduled to begin. A 50-member dog squad will also be deployed along the route of the parade.

Personnel from NSG and US Navy Seals with sniper rifles have been positioned on the highrises overlooking Rajpath as well. The route will also be monitored by drones and surveillance satellites.

Meanwhile, traffic police officials said that they will allow parking of vehicles with stickers on the India Gate lawns during the parade. Other visitors will have to leave their vehicles in areas around Palika Bazaar and Lodhi Road and avail a park and ride facility to reach the venue.