Five-tier security arrangements for R-Day

Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, the Greater Chennai city police has enhanced the security arrangements in the city. They have made a five-tier security arrangement at the celebration venue on Kamarajar Salai in the city.

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi would be hoisting the national flag near the Labour statue on the Marina at Kamarajar Salai and Wallajah road junction in the city. Based on the directions of police commissioner Shankar Jiwal, as many as 6,800 police personnel would be deployed at and around the venue under the supervision of additional commissioners including TS Anbu, Prem Anand Sinha and Kapil Kumar C Saratkar.

Police protection has been beefed up at public places including airport, railway stations, bus stops, bus stands, shopping complexes, religious places and beaches. Vehicle checks are being conducted at several parts of the city including Neelankarai, Meenambakkam, Thoraipakkam and Maduravoyal. Police have also been conducting surprise checks at hotels across the city and the hotel management have been instructed to pass on information about suspicious persons to police. 

Personnel from the  Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) and coastal security group are conducting ant-sabotage checks at several places.Police officials have also banned flying of drones and other unmanned aerial objects for two days from January 25 and warned of taking stringent actions against those who violate it.  Cops have sought the cooperation of the public in ensuring an incident-free celebration. Every year, the state government would organize Republic Day celebration events near Gandhi statue on Marina beach. 

Republic Day celebration

But this year, as metro rail works are taking place at the location, the venue has been changed near Labour statue. Assembly speakers, ministers, MPs, MLAs, High Court Chief Justice and judges, foreign ambassadors would sit on the dais and witness the celebrations.   The Chief Minister MK Stalin, who reaches the venue at 7:52 am, will be received by the chief secretary Irai anbu.

Stalin in turn receives the Governor and introduces the major general, officers of Indian Navy, Tambaram air force and coastal security force, Tamil Nadu DGP, the Greater Chennai city police commissioner and additional DGP (law and order) to him. Once the Governor hoists the national flag around 8 am, Indian air force helicopters will shower flower petals and the national anthem will be played. 

Then the parade will commence and the Governor will receive the guard of honour. The Chief Minister will then distribute medals including Anna medals, Kottai Ameer communal harmony award, C Narayanasamy Naidu award, Gandiadigal police award and best police station trophy to the recipients. This will be followed by the cultural events of students. The Republic Day celebration will take place at Raj Bhavan around 4:30 pm. During which, awards for doing social service and environmental protection awards will be distributed.