Obama visit to Delhi: Special vigil against monkeys and dogs

Besides the high-level security apparatus in place for US President Barack Obama's visit here tomorrow, dog and monkey catchers are also being roped in to avert any 'animal invasion' on his route.

Security officials have sought the help of trained animal handlers from civic agencies so that no untoward situation is created during Obama's tour to the national capital.

Special focus is being given to the Central Ridge forests opposite ITC Maurya Sheraton, which will host the American president during his stay here, and Rajghat, where Obama will visit to pay respects at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.

Monkeys are seen in large numbers at both the places.

The Delhi police sought assistance of Municipal Corporation of Delhi in keeping monkeys and dogs at bay by providing trained personnel.

"Our help had been sought in these aspects (catching monkeys and dogs) and we have done the needful. Personnel have been deployed wherever they were needed and the areas have been sanitised," a senior MCD official said adding, special focus was given on Rajghat area.

He, however, refused to divulge the number of personnel being deployed and the animals caught.

The Ridge area, which falls under the jurisdiction of NDMC, has also been lit up as part of the security arrangements for the US President's visit.

The officials and organisers of the events of the president are not taking any chances in ensuring his safety. In Mumbai, branches and coconut from a tree at Mani Bhavan in south Mumbai, where Obama paid a visit today, were removed.

"We requested the ward officer to remove the branches as they kept falling and coconuts had become dry. We thought it would be better to get them removed," Mani Bhavan executive secretary Meghshyam Ajgaonkar had said. Following the request, civic workers from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation had removed them.