International Yoga Day celebrations: New Delhi put on high alert

Ahead of International Yoga Day celebrations, Delhi has been put on alert with as many as thirty companies of security personnel being deployed to guard Rajpath where a mega event is to be held on Sunday.

According to police, around 5,000 armed security personnel including Delhi policemen will be deployed to secure the venue and the area around it as thousands of yoga practitioners including Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the early morning programme. The 35-minute Yoga programme organised by AYUSH Ministry is scheduled to begin at 7.30 AM on International Yoga Day.

Following an alert issued by intelligence agencies, Delhi Police has banned flying of kites, balloons, glider, micro light objects during the programme to ward off any aerial threat. Eighteen DCP-level officers will also be on duty to monitor the security arrangements that will be at par with the Republic Day Parade arrangements, said a senior police officer.

The Yoga Day programme is expected to be attended by close to 40,000 people. The number of VIPs including Ministers and MPs, who will attend the function could be about 500, he said. Traffic restrictions were put in place from June 14. Rajpath has been closed for traffic from Vijay Chowk to India Gate and round the clock vigil of the area including the lawns was on.

The area restricted for public will be bounded by Mother Teresa Crescent, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Outer Circle Connaught Place between Baba Kharak Singh Marg and Barakhamba Road, Bhagwan Dass Marg, Mathura Road, Lodhi Road, Aurbindo Chowk, Safdarganj Road, Kamaal Ataturk Marg, Kautilya Marg and Sardar Patel Marg upto 11 Murti. Only labelled vehicles of yoga invitees and residents of these areas will be permitted to enter from 2 AM till conclusion of the function at about 10 AM, said Jt Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Sandeep Goel.