Cops' foolproof preparations await International Yoga Day

Security forces to be deployed from Sunday wee hours

Foolproof security arrangements have been planned by Delhi Police at the venue of the International Yoga Day event at central Delhi’s Rajpath on Sunday.

Areas within a two-km radius of India Gate will be sealed with over 5,000 Delhi Police personnel, sharpshooters, dog squads and commandos taking positions.
The overall security for the occasion would be as tight as it is during the Republic Day parade.

“We have deployed 30 company forces, 18 deputy commissioners and local police. All the necessary arrangements for maintaining law and order, smooth traffic movement and security have been made,” said Delhi Police Commissioner Bhim Sain Bassi on Friday.
Security forces will be deployed in full strength from 3 am onwards as the event is scheduled to begin at 6.30 am.

The ‘Operation DOGA’ is being spearheaded by the elite canine squad of paramilitary force Indo-Tibetan Border Police.
CCTV cameras have been placed at Rajpath, and a control room has also been set up to watch the footage.

“Most of the buildings within a radius of two kms will have snipers stationed on them while the event is on,” another police officer said.
Some staff of all districts have been deployed on special duty on the New Delhi police district, while pickets and checkpoints have been set up across the capital to check vehicles with special focus on border areas.

Security is also kept tight at railway stations and interstate bus terminals.
Delhi traffic police have also made special arrangements for vehicular movement on roads leading to India Gate.

The entry of vehicles will not be allowed on Rajpath from the Rajpath-Rafi Marg crossing upto Rajpath-C Hexagon crossing. Cross traffic on Rajpath-Rafi Marg was closed on Friday.

“No cross-traffic will be allowed on Rajpath-Janpath crossing and Rajpath-Mansingh Road crossing from 9 pm on Saturday till the conclusion of the event,” said a senior police officer.

An hour-long programme will be held at Rajpath on Sunday, and be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with cabinet ministers, ministers of states, MPs.