In New Delhi, an unassailable ground to air security apparatus has been put in place especially near Red Fort where Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will unfurl the tricolour.
Delhi Police officials said that a large number Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in and around the city. About 20,000 police personnel have been deployed and 40 CCTVs are being installed around the Red Fort to ensure incident-free celebrations.
Sharpshooters of the NSG have been deployed on the high-rise buildings near the venue and specialised units like Quick Reaction Teams are also pressed into service. A no fly zone has been declared around the Red Fort during the function. Besides patrolling of the skies by helicopters, an air defence mechanism will also be put in place around the venue to keep an eye on miscreants. An intense vigil is being maintained on key installations like Parliament complex, international airport, railway stations, inter-state bus terminals and Metro stations. Delhi Police has also intensified checking at all the border points.
The Union Home Ministry has already issued a country-wide alert asking states to tighten security at sensitive locations and installations to thwart any attempt of terror strike. Our correspondent reports that elaborate traffic arrangements have been planned on the occasion to facilitate the movement of VIP vehicle and general public to reach the place of function and also to ensure safe and smooth flow of traffic in other parts of the city.