CHANDIGARH: The city bueautiful Chandigarh has been put on terror alert following intelligence reports hinting at possibility of blasts on the Independence Day.

The terror alert comes in the wake of recent bomb blasts in several parts of the country.
Security apparatus in the city has been activated after inputs from the intelligence agencies indicated heightened terror threat on the Independence Day.

S S Srivastava, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Chandigarh told the Pioneer that extra precautions are being taken while dealing with the sensitive areas of the city especially the parade ground in sector 17 which is the venue of the main Independence Day function.

However, he sought to downplay security threats saying though the police had received hoax call at times but there were no major security concerns while adding that the police was undertaking all precautions.

"Extra vigil is being kept at public areas like railway station, both bus stands (sector 17 & 43), airport, secretariat and markets," he said.

Claiming that the police have launched an intensive campaign against the suspicious elements roaming in the society, the SSP urged the general public to keep their eyes open for any suspected or unclaimed object and should inform the police immediately.
He said the police was closely monitoring the activities of those coming into the city from outside.
 
Srivastava stated that three reserves had been made to utilize in the evening time and added, "We have deputed around 1100 personals from various offices and NGOs for the same as we are taking all measures that the city sounds to be safe and silent."

H S Doon, SP Traffic, affirmed that they had patched up with all the border area securities to avoid any kind of turbulence in city.

Sources in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said that some alarming facts have come to the knowledge of the agency through the electronic surveillance being undertaken by them and they are eyeing on various activities in the city. "A check is also being conducted on the international calls," they claimed.

Operation cell is also keeping vigil on Bapudham colony, Manimajra, Nehru colony and Burial grounds.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has also banned the visitors entry at Civil Airport from August 4 to August 20 in wake of Independence Day for additional security requirement.