Bhubaneswar, Aug. 14: Cuttack-Bhubaneswar police have made elaborate security and traffic arrangements for the Independence Day parade that would be held on Mahatma Gandhi Marg tomorrow.

Expecting a huge turnout, the police will deploy 37 platoons on and around the parade route. Vehicles would be diverted at different points to keep the flow of traffic smooth. (See chart)

A senior police officer said an organisation working for the environment had threatened to stage a protest on the route that the chief minister would take to reach the venue. He is the chief guest for tomorrow’s programme.

“They have even threatened to gherao the chief minister. So, we are going to tighten security around the area,” said the officer. Three-tier security arrangements would be in place around the parade venue, he said.

Twin city police commissioner Sunil Roy said police arrangements had been made keeping in mind aspects such as crowd control, VIP security and traffic management.

“We have enough security guards to be deployed at the venue. Forces at the police reserve have been kept ready to tackle emergency situations,” said Roy.

Sources said deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Nitinjeet Singh would be in charge of the overall security and traffic arrangements on Mahatma Gandhi Marg.

Four additional DCPs, 12 assistant commissioners of police, 20 inspectors and more than 100 sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors would be deployed.

Two units of Special Operation Group commandos and 50 Armed Police Reserve forces would be deployed to thwart any threat from Maoists, who will observe black day tomorrow.

Plainclothesmen would be positioned among the crowd to keep a watch on suspicious elements. Dog squads, bomb disposal squads and quick response teams will be on duty to tackle any emergency.

“We are taking inputs from central intelligence and the state intelligence and taking every possible step to counter threats. We are keeping every aspect in mind,” said the police commissioner.

Spot-centric security arrangements along with CCTV monitoring around the place and deployment of armed policemen at the watchtowers along the parade route will be in place.

Fire service officials said they would deploy two fire-fighting vehicles.

“Fire-fighters armed with extinguishers will be deployed at various places along the parade venue,” said assistant fire service officer B.B. Das, who was present at the security briefing today.