Great expectations of Kejriwal: A groaning in-tray of challenges
Historic Ramlila Maidan is all decked up for the mega show of the swearing-in ceremony of Delhi’s new Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. His six Cabinet colleagues will also take oath on Saturday that has already created a buzz in the national Capital as thousands of supporters are expected to converge at the venue to witness the historic inauguration.
The ground, which has a capacity for over 60,000, has been readied to house 55,000 with seating arrangements in 12 separate enclosures. The whole ground has been put under the watch of 600 close circuit television (CCTV) cameras. Delhi Police has taken over the access control and the entry to people has been barred till Saturday when those attending the ceremony start arriving.
Police personnel will frisk everyone and the entry will be from four designated gates. A separate entry and exit will be available for mediapersons. The entry would begin from Saturday early morning. Apart from 2,000 Delhi policemen, at least two companies (nearly 200 personnel) each of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) will stand guard.
Delhi Police snipers will maintain vigil from the rooftops on ground. Police personnel in civvies will also keep a tab on the activities inside the ground. The ceremony, which is likely to start from 11 am onwards, is expected to be attended by several dignitaries. The AAP volunteers were also working with the officials of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NMC) and Public Works Department (PWD).
“A 10 feet high and 16 feet long platform from where Kejriwal will administer oath has been extended to 8x8 feet from both the sides with the help of pillars,” Kapoor Chand, junior engineer from NMC, told The Pioneer. Chand, who had also looked after the preparation of Kejriwal’s swearing-in in 2013, added, “This time it seems extra special.”
On the part of its beautification, over 1,000 flower pots have been placed around the dais. A temporary iron grille, which is a foot high, has been fixed around the platform. A red carpet has been placed on staircase of the platform to welcome Kejriwal’s Cabinet. “We worked to give our best. The preparations are almost complete,” said Shyam Singh, Assistant Director Horticulture from PWD.
Delhi Chief Secretary visited Friday evening to inspect the last round of work. Special Commissioner of Police (law & Order) Deepak Mishra also visited the venue and briefed the staff. Delhi Traffic Police have also made an elaborate arrangement to avoid traffic chaos during the ceremony. JlN Marg, Rajghat, Delhi Gate, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, Netaji Subash Marg, BSZ Marg, DDU Marg, Connaught Place, Mandi House Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, Vikas Marg, Ranjit Singh Road, Barakhamba Road, Parliament Street, Sikandra Road and Ashoka Road,
Ring Road from Kale Khan to ISBT will be affected during the ceremony. “Traffic is likely to be affected in New Delhi and Central Delhi. These roads would be affected between 10 am and 2 pm,” said Anil Shukla, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic). Police also appealed to the people to use the Metro.