New Delhi: A multi-layered security blanket was thrown around the national capital as US President Barack Obama arrived here on Sunday on a three-day visit during which he will grace the Republic Day parade and hold extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Central Delhi turned into a virtual fortress with nearly 40,000 personnel drawn from Delhi Police and paramilitary forces guarding every nook and corner and more than 15,000 CCTV cameras relaying every movement live to a central control room where it would be monitored by a joint team of Delhi Police, US Secret Services and sleuths of central security agencies.
Traffic restrictions have been put in place in the national capital for movement of Obama's cavalcade. Both carriageways of Sardar Patel Marg, which is next to ITC Maurya Hotel where Obama will be staying have been completely shut down for normal traffic.
Snipers of Delhi Police and National Security Guards have been deployed at all nearby high-rise buildings.
The green ridge opposite to the hotel has been thoroughly checked and and police personnel have been deployed in the jungles along the ridge till the US President leaves.
Security agencies have also sealed 71 buildings in close proximity of Rajpath where the Republic Day parade will be held tomorrow. Security personnel have been deployed on rooftops.
Even bonafide citizens of Lutyens' zone, including MPs and officers of the Armed Forces, have been either issued special passes or have to establish their identities to enter the zone.
The three-km stretch of Rajpath, the main venue of the Republic Day parade, will be secured with a seven-layer security and will have over 160 CCTV cameras - with one camera installed at every 18 metres.
Snipers and spotters will be deployed on all nearby high-rises which overlook Rajpath where the 66th Republic Day celebrations will be held here tomorrow.
Dedicated radar has been put in place to detect any suspicious movement in the sky and additional anti-aircraft guns have been put in place to shoot down any aerial intrusion.
The Director General of Civil Aviation has issued a 'NOTAM' (Notice to Air Men) for diverting all flights flying over Delhi at the time of the parade.
