National

CCTVs keep an eye over parade

Staff Reporter

Threat level was quite high this year

NEW DELHI: A unique feature of this year's security arrangements for the Republic Day Parade here in the Capital was the wide network of closed-circuit television cameras set up to keep a close watch on the proceedings.

As many as 24 high resolution CCTVs were along the parade route.

In view of intelligence information, such cameras were also put up at major market places, malls and cinema halls, especially in New Delhi, Central and South Delhi. "It is for the first time that so many cameras, with recording facility, have been installed," said a police officer.

Apart from electronic surveillance, the police also made adequate arrangements for aerial surveillance using Army helicopters. Over 20,000 personnel and commandos from the Delhi police, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the National Security Guard, besides other paramilitary forces were deployed along the route and on rooftops of adjoining buildings. Anti-aircraft guns were installed at strategic locations. All those joining the celebrations at Rajpath were frisked.

While all roads leading to the Rajpath were heavily guarded, the police erected barricades at all entry points to the Capital since Wednesday evening and checked vehicles entering the city. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded for hours due to alleged lack of proper traffic regulation. For their part, the police said they did not want to take any chance, as the threat level was quite high.This year, the police were more apprehensive of a car bomb or "fidayeen" attack. Also, because of the presence of the Saudi King and his entourage, security and intelligence agencies were on their toes round-the-clock.

Bindu Shajan Perappadan reports:

The national capital was out and on its feet early on Thursday to celebrate the 57th Republic Day. Hundreds of people from the neighbouring States joined the locals to watch the parade. The weather was perfect. Those who reached the venue after 9 a.m. — an hour before the parade was scheduled to start — were turned away. Security personnel said that since the entry time at select gates was over, latecomers had access only to a handful of gates that were kept open after 9 a.m. This led to a lot of confusion, with some missing the early part of the parade.

***

Those seated next to the media enclosure had something more to look forward to. Seated on the dew-soaked benches, most realised their proximity to the cameras. Many were heard remarking about the possibility of them being flashed on television screens across the country. "I have been coming to watch the parade for the last five years and never occupied such a vantage point. From here I can see the President, the Saudi King and the Prime Minister. The best part, however, is that I have a chance of being seen on television," said a man, who had come with his family.

***

Though well prepared for medical emergencies, personnel of the Centralised Accident and Trauma Services stationed outside the main venue were surprised at the number of minor casualties.

Both adults and children complained of injuries from nails jutting out of railings. Broken chairs with sharp edges, cracked wooden planks and slippery dew-soaked iron sets added to the chaos. Also, the dust kicked up outside the main venue affected visitors with asthma and other breathing disorders.

***

Much like last year, the heightened security did not deter many from smuggling in goodies, including chewing gum, candies and biscuit packets. This despite clear instructions on the invitation cards that no eatables would be allowed in the seating enclosure.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu