Shrouded in massive security blanket, the first International Yoga Day was successfully conducted at Rajpath on Sunday. For the 35-minute function, over 10,000 security personnel were deployed in and around the Rajpath. Special arrangements were put in place to secure Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who performed most of the 21 ‘asanas’ sitting with other participants.
Earlier, he was expected to address the event only. Some Special Protection Group (SPG) and Delhi Police personnel, dressed as participants, were part of the crowd before the Prime Minister arrived. As soon as Modi mingled with the crowd they threw a ring around him.
64-year-old Modi was joined by yoga guru Ramdev on the dais. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and lt Governor Najeeb Jung also took part in the event.
The roads leading to the Rajpath were shut since Saturday night. The police personnel took their charge around the venue at 3 am. Barricades were put up to demarcate several enclosures at the venue. Thousands of Police Training Course cadets and volunteers of various private organisations were also part of the security arrangements.
Groups of volunteers were tasked with taking the attendance of the participants in separate blocks. Following an alert issued by Intelligence agencies, the police had banned flying of kites, balloons, glider, micro-light objects during the programme to ward off any aerial threat.
According to police, around 5,000 armed security personnel were deployed to secure the venue and the adjoining areas, arrangements at par with the Republic Day celebrations. Traffic restrictions were put in place from June 14 and Rajpath was closed for traffic from Vijay Chowk to India Gate and round-the-clock-vigil of the area including the lawns was on.