New Delhi, August 5
Delhi will be a no fly Zone on Independence Day. As part of the elaborate security arrangements put in place by the security agencies for the Independence Day celebrations on August 15, Delhi will remain a “no-flying zone” between 5 a.m and 11 a.m.
All airlines, domestic as well as international, have been given advance information about the security drill to ensure that they make necessary rescheduling of their flights, sources said.
With heightened terror threats, Delhi will turn into a virtual Fortress on the eve of Independence Day with the deployment of over 10,000 security personnel, including 1000 commandos and sharp-shooters.
Delhi and adjoining areas have already been placed under high
security alert and the Delhi Police is in constant touch with the police of neighbouring states.“Intelligence inputs received in the recent past have indicated renewed determination of various terrorist outfits to undertake a terror attack, so all necessary and precautionary measures have been taken,” Special Commissioner (Security) Ajay Chadha said.
The Red Fort from where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will Address the Nation on Independence Day has already been closed to the public till Tuesday. To watch the proceedings visitors will have to enter the venue by 6 a.m.
About 500 sharp-shooters will be on the rooftops of the buildings around the Red Fort.
The Delhi police has banned cell phones, cameras, bags, water bottles and transistors at the Red Fort during the 60th Independence Day celebrations.
Stringent security measures have also been put in place at Delhi Airport, including deployment of NSG commandos around the tarmac and enhanced checking of passengers and their baggage.
All the guidelines issued by the Civil Aviation Ministry, Directorate-General of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security have been strictly implemented, airport sources said.
In addition, a number of other steps are being taken that include dog squads doing the rounds of terminals, air side and parking lots, plainclothes men checking for abnormal movement or behaviour and NSG commandos positioned on air side.
Random check of vehicles is being carried out and hand baggage is also being randomly checked at passenger gate entry.
Other measures include frisking of passengers and secondary ladder point check.
Senior officials from police and CISF are personally supervising the security initiatives in airports, sources said.
A close watch was also being kept at all entry and exit points in the national Capital. Security arrangements have been strengthened in all Railway Stations and advisory has been issued to general public to remain vigilant and inform the police if they come across any mischievous looking person or unidentified objects.
