The ITC Maurya hotel, where the US President will be staying, has been taken over by the Secret Services personnel and multi-frequency control room manned by the US officials have been set up. American security personnel will also be part of the teams manning the control rooms set up to watch footage of nearly 15,000 CCTVs installed in the capital.
A power-point presentation of the Republic Day was given to the US officials about the events of the day including the cultural programme that will be performed by various artists before the VVIPs at Rajpath. Besides the 80,000-member strong Delhi Police, additional 20,000 paramilitary personnel and armed police forces from neighbouring states including Haryana, Rajasthan and India Reserve Battalions have been pressed into service to ensure fool-proof security in the capital especially around Rajpath where the main Republic day function will be held.
Anti-aircraft guns have been placed at strategic locations to thwart attempts to violate the air space over the venue, which has been traditionally a no-fly zone. Metro underground and offices around the Rajpath area will be taken over 72 hours in advance at the request of the US security personnel. Snipers will take up positions at vantage points while Indian Air Force(IAF) will provide air cover to the parade area and the VVIPs on the ground.
Guest list for the ‘At-Home' function hosted by the President is being pruned this time because of security considerations, the sources said. The American security officials will be part of every rehearsal drill. US and Indian security agencies are taking extra care for Obama as he will be on an open air platform at Rajpath for more than two hours witnessing the Republic day parade. There is a possibility of putting up a bullet-proof shield in and around the VVIP enclosure.
Unlike in previous years, access to Rajpath has already been closed while roads criss-crossing Rajpath like Rafi Marg, Janpath and Man Singh Road will be shut for general public a day or two before January 26.
