New Delhi: Massive security arrangements have been put in place for the high-profile three-day visit of US President Barack Obama, who will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26.
Obama's participation at the Republic Day celebrations as Chief Guest is a sign of steadily expanding ties between two the countries that share concerns about China's growing dominance in Asia.
The security establishment has ordered a No-Fly Zone in the radius of 400 kms of the venue of the majestic Rajpath where Republic Day's celebrations will be held.
No flights would operate from airports of Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Lucknow and Amritsar.
Sticking to the past practice, no plane will land or take off at the Indira Gandhi International Airport during the time when Republic Day celebrations will be on at the Rajpath.
Changes are also being made in the flight path of civilian aircraft on that day in Delhi, with the minimum altitude being raised from 32,000 feet to 35,000 feet.
American officials may also part of all radar stations and control rooms that have been set up for the visit of the US President.
For the first time, Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) are likely to be deployed here on the Republic Day for vigil from the skies during the parade where Obama will be the chief guest.
The AWACS will monitor air space on and around Rajpath where the parade will be witnessed by Obama along with President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of other dignitaries.
Delhi Police is installing 15,000 CCTV cameras as part of security arrangements for Republic Day which will have US President Barack Obama as the chief guest. Over 45,000 personnel from Delhi Police and paramilitary forces will also be on the streets of the capital Jan 26, officials said.
Rajpath, the three km stretch which is the main venue of the Republic Day parade, will have over 160 CCTV cameras - with a camera installed every 18 metres, a police official said.
A seven-layer security ring will guard the enclosure that will be used by Obama, President Pranab and PM Narendra Modi to watch the parade.
Most of the buildings within a two-km radius of Rajpath will have snipers during the parade.
Security arrangements are also being beefed up at ITC Maurya, the hotel where Obama is expected to stay.
