Republic Day 2022 / Delhi changed into cantonment on Republic Day, security arrangements are unprecedented

New Delhi: Heavy security arrangements have been made in Delhi in view of India's 73rd Republic Day celebrations. Delhi Police has intensified patrolling to thwart any untoward incident in view of the 'alert' issued by intelligence agencies regarding terrorist incidents.

Delhi borders sealed

Taking precaution, Delhi Police has sealed the borders of the capital in coordination with their counterparts in neighboring states. Administrative officials said that on Republic Day in Delhi, more than 27,000 police personnel have been deployed for security and counter-terrorism measures have been intensified. According to officials, the police personnel deployed include deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, inspectors and sub-inspectors.

Facial recognition CCTV

Armed Police Force personnel and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) commandos, officers and jawans have also been deployed. Police said CCTVs equipped with facial recognition software and anti-drone devices have also been installed.

Unlike last year, all major borders of Delhi including Tikri, Singhu and Ghazipur have been sealed to ensure smooth Republic Day celebrations. Officials said additional posts have been set up and patrolling has been intensified along the borders.

On January 26 last year, thousands of farmers who were protesting against the three agriculture laws of the Centre, entered Delhi during a tractor parade, creating chaos in the city. They clashed with the police and some people also waved religious flags from a place earmarked for the tricolor in the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort.

A senior police officer said, “We have sealed the borders in coordination with our counterparts and made additional posts. No commercial vehicles will be allowed to enter the national capital. Only permitted vehicles and people related to essential services will be allowed. Non-permitted vehicles will be sent back. The route has been changed at some borders and alternate routes are also available.

impeccable security in these places

Security personnel are keeping a close watch on the site where President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other dignitaries and thousands of people will be present for the event.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Deepak Yadav said, “We are fully prepared. We have been preparing for two months. Multi-level security arrangements have been made in every district. Vehicle checking will start at the borders of New Delhi, it will become more strict as people move towards the venue.

He said that only vehicles with authorized passes or control passes already issued would be allowed towards the venue. The DCP said that security arrangements have been made on the roofs of all high-rise buildings and anti-drone devices have been installed on many of these structures.

Changed area in the cantonment

Giving information to media persons on Saturday about the security arrangements, Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana had told that a total of 27,723 personnel of Delhi Police including 71 DCPs, 213 ACPs and 753 inspectors have been deployed for the Republic Day parade. 65 units of CAPF are helping them.

Police said that counter-terrorism measures have been intensified in coordination with other security agencies.

Unprecedented arrangements at every step

The measures being taken to prevent terrorist activities include nakabandi (nakabandi) at various places, checking of vehicles, hotels, lodges and dharamshalas and various verification drives like tenants, servants and labourers.

Anti-drone technology is being used for air security. Asthana said security has been tightened around the area where the Republic Day celebrations will take place. He said that security arrangements have been made at the project site in coordination with the officials of the agencies working on the Central Vista project.

As per a recent order, operation of sub-conventional flights including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), paragliders and hot air balloons have been banned over Delhi in view of Republic Day celebrations. This order came into effect from January 20 and will continue till February 15.