Not just terror attacks, but the Delhi Police are also set to keep at bay snakes and other wild animals at the Red Fort during the Independence Day celebrations.
The police have requested Wildlife SOS to scan for reptiles at the historic monument and to deploy a security team on the premises on August 15.
‘Routine checks’
“A large number of wild animals like snakes and monitor lizards were spotted at the monument during a recent recce by the police. Subsequently, they wrote to Wildlife SOS requesting for security personnel to scan the premises. Measures are being taken to prevent any untoward incidents on Independence Day and routine anti-sabotage checks are being conducted in and around the perimeter of the iconic monument,” a release issued by Wildlife SOS read.
The statement noted that any animal found in and around the Red Fort will be shifted to ensure public safety and returned to their habitats after the celebrations.
‘Snakebites a concern’
Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said: “Wildlife SOS has been working closely with the Forest Department and the Delhi Police to address wildlife issues in Delhi. Snakebites are a concern and we shall deploy our teams in the interest of public safety.”
In the past, Wildlife SOS has assisted with translocation of wild animals like nilgai antelope from the Rajpath and a civet cat from Parliament.
The organisation has also translocated wild animals from the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Recently, a python was removed by Wildlife SOS from an Air Force plane and released back into the wild, the release noted.