To review the security arrangements, a host of government officials, including Chief Secretary Asok Mohan Chakrabarti, Home Secretary Ardhendu Sen, Principal Secretary (Information and Culture) Dilip Chakrabarthy and Kolkata Police commissioner Gautam Mohan Chakrabarti conducted a recce of the venue on Sunday.

“Although no major terrorist activity has been reported in the state recently, we have taken additional security measures this year in view of the terror attacks in major cities across the country. A general alert has been issued by the Central government to all the states and we want to ensure the Republic Day passes off peacefully,” the chief secretary said.

He also appealed to the general public not to bring any bag or packet to the parade venue. According to a police officer, commandos and sniffer dogs have been deployed along the entire parade route. “The traffic will also be diverted till the function gets over,” he added.