With intelligence inputs warning of terrorist strikes, elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.
President A P J Abdul Kalam will take the salute during the celebrations in the presence of chief guest Bhutan King Jigme Singye Wangchuk. The country's top political and military brass will also be present.
Specific measures have been initiated to thwart any attempt to use long-range weapons to disrupt the parade.
There have been reports that militants may target the parade from a distance using sniper fire. In fact, a large number of telescopes were seized in Kolkata recently.
The Delhi police has increased its 'depth' of security to up to three km from the parade route. All high-rise buildings in the radius are under the control of security personnel.
"In view of inputs received, we have tightened security more than last year, and anti-sabotage checks have been intensified," Special Commissioner of Delhi Police (Security) B K Gupta told reporters on Tuesday.
He said anti-sabotage checks were started on December 20. Equipment like minesweepers available with the army, National Security Guards, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and other forces, have been utilised.
To prevent aerial attack, two helicopters will be in the skies during the entire eight-km parade. Other air defence measures have also been taken, he said.
Police have also placed closed circuit televisions at various places on Rajpath between Vijay Chowk and India Gate, which will enable senior officers to monitor the proceedings, he added.
