Delhi under tight security ahead of I-Day

New Delhi: On the eve of Independence Day celebrations, an elaborate ground-to-air security apparatus has been put in place in the capital to pre-empt any terror strike.

Thousands of Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in and around the city, especially near the Red Fort from where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will unfurl the tricolour and address the nation.

The Union Home Ministry has already issued a countrywide alert asking states to tighten security at sensitive locations and installations to thwart any attempt of terror strike.

"We have deployed personnel in abundance. We are not taking any chance," a senior police official said.

Around 40 CCTVs will be installed in and around the Red Fort to ensure incident-free celebrations while sharpshooters of the NSG will be deployed on the high-rises near the 17th century Mughal monument.

Security agencies are constantly reviewing arrangements at the Red Fort and have zeroed in on the 'safe houses' where the Prime Minister and other leaders should be taken to in case of a terrorist strike.

According to a senior police official, the localities around Red Fort have been sanitised and informers have been deployed to keep a check on any movement of anti-national elements. Specialised units like Quick Reaction Teams, SWAT and Vajra are being deployed, the official said.

An intense vigil will also be maintained on key installations like Parliament complex, international airport, railway stations, inter-state bus terminals and Metro stations.

Besides patrolling of the skies by helicopters, an air defence mechanism will also be put in place around the venue to thwart any terror attacks. The Delhi Police is also intensifying checking at all the border points, the official said, adding that they may also deploy spotters from other states to identify miscreants.

Police have also asked operators of guest houses, cyber cafes, telephone booths and taxi services to keep a watch on their customers and report about suspicious people.

While owners of guest houses and cyber cafes have been asked to install CCTVs, telephone booth operators were instructed to keep separate registers of those making local, STD and ISD calls, the official said.

Owners of guest houses and hotels will also be asked not to allow their guests to use hotel address for getting a mobile connection, the official said.