Delhi Police and central security forces have put in place a three-layer security arrangement at Utsav Ground in IP Extension, East Delhi, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected visit for the Dussehra celebrations on Tuesday evening.
Modi is likely to attend the Ravana Dahan ceremony around 6.30 pm. Nearly 2,500 personnel from the Delhi Police and central armed paramilitary forces will be deployed to secure the venue and manage traffic, according to police officers familiar with the arrangements.
The deployment includes commandos from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of the Delhi Police Special Cell, which handles counter-terrorism and hostage-rescue operations. Police have drawn up the security plan keeping in mind the threat perception and the possibility of disruptions by anti-social elements.
SPG to lead three-layer security cordon
The Special Protection Group (SPG) will manage the innermost security layer, while personnel from the Prime Minister’s security wing of the Delhi Police, including commandos, will form the second layer. Local police will oversee the outermost cordon.
Around 10,000 people are expected to attend the event. Entry will be restricted to those carrying valid passes issued by the organisers, and all visitors will have to undergo mandatory searches and frisking.
“The SPG has taken control of the venue, and multiple rounds of anti-sabotage checks have been done for any suspicious items,” a police officer said.
Security measures also include checks of high-rise buildings along the Prime Minister’s motorcade route and around the venue. Tactical teams have been positioned on rooftops at strategic locations, while door-frame metal detectors, hand-held detectors and baggage scanners have been installed at entry gates.
Sniffer dogs, quick reaction teams, ambulances and patrol vans will also be deployed. Police are using drones for aerial surveillance, while CCTV cameras will monitor the venue and surrounding areas.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Rajeev Kumar confirmed that elaborate security and traffic arrangements had been made for Dussehra events at IP Extension and other venues under his jurisdiction.
“Security personnel and CCTV cameras in adequate numbers have been deployed in and around the IP Extension Utsav Ground for the Ravana Dahan event. We cannot elaborate further on our security details,” Kumar said.
Traffic curbs from 5 pm to 8 pm
The Delhi Traffic Police will deploy around 300 personnel to manage vehicle movement. Diversions are scheduled between 5 pm and 8 pm across parts of central, south and east Delhi.
In East Delhi, restrictions will affect stretches of National Highway 24, Roads 55, 57 and 57A, and Vikas Marg, particularly around Patparganj and Ghazipur. A contingency route plan has also been prepared.
Commuters have been advised to avoid affected roads, use alternative routes, allow extra travel time and park only in designated areas. Motorists have also been asked to follow diversion signs and instructions issued by traffic personnel.