This is US President Barack Obama's second visit to India and the security arrangements are unprecedented. Read on to know more about it.
A multi-layered security blanket has been thrown around Delhi as US President Barack Obama arrived in New Delhi on Saturday on a three-day visit during which he will grace the Republic Day parade and hold extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reports say that Obama and Modi receive the most number of threats from terrorist organisations across the world. Hence, a "never seen before" security plan has been spread to make sure the safety of these two powerful leaders. At least 10,000 paramilitary troops have been deployed along with the 80,000-strong Delhi Police to ensure fool-proof security in and around Rajpath -- the main venue.
A no-fly zone
A no-fly zone with a radius of 400 km has been enforced, covering even Jaipur and Agra in this radius.
"The no-fly zone has been extended around Delhi ... no civil aircraft can take off or land during that time," one Indian security official reportedly said. No flight will take off or land at the Indira Gandhi International Airport during the Republic Day celebrations. The Airborne Warning and Control System will montior the air space on and around Rajpath when US President Obama, President Pranab Mukherjee and PM Narendra Modi will witness the Republic Day parade.
Security cameras and security guards
More than 15,000 CCTV cameras have been installed across Delhi. These cameras will relay 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. Snipers of Delhi Police and National Security Guards have been deployed at all nearby high-rise buildings.
The roads in and around Delhi have been under close watch from the security agencies for the past few weeks. Around 45,000 Secret Service and Special Protection Group army officers have been deployed for this security ring. 2000 security personnels to guard the main stage on the Republic Day when the Obamas and PM Modi watch the Republic Day parade. Security pass will be made at the spot so as to avoid duplication. Each security personnel need to be identified by his team member for the pass.
The "Beast"
The Presdent's car, The Beast, is a seven seater limo that is fully armoured. The armour plating on it is about 18 inches thick, the doors are as heavy as a Boeing 757 aircraft. The windows are five inch thick bulletproof. The interior of the car is sealed off to protect the President from any kind of possible chemical attack. The trunk of the car has firefighting equipment and oxygen tanks among other things. There are tear gas canisters, shotguns and, supposedly, grenade launchers, integrated into The Beast.
Sniffer dogs
As many as 25 dogs have been trained to sniff out any troubles ahead of Obama's visit. The dogs that reportedly hold military ranks, are trained to sniff out even the minutest of traces of explosives. The canines that run at the speed of 40-50 kmph are deployed around Rajpath and the Maurya Sheraton Hotel where President Obama is putting up.
Other than these measure taken for the leaders' safety, the metro trains and stations around Rajpath will be closed during the Republic Day celebrations on January 26th. Civilians will have to go through extensive security checks at every nook and corner of the state.
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