Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010: Organizers to Observe Tighter Security Measures Amid Closing Ceremony
New Delhi – the host city for the Delhi CWG and capital of India would remain closed due to the tighter security measures amid closing ceremony of the commonwealth games. The ceremony is likely to be held on Thursday, October 14. According to the security
officials, on Thursday, markets, schools and colleges would remain closed across the city and thousands of security personnel would be guarding the metropolis, particularly the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium which happens to be the venue for the event.
As there is just one day to go for the closing ceremony, the capital of India is witnessing rather unprecedented security measures. Hundreds of security personnel have been observed checking vehicles entering the city, while additional force have been found
taking positions at bus terminals, railway stations and around other public places.
According to Rajan Bhagat, the spokesperson of Delhi police, the security outside the Jawaharlal Nehru that had been for 24x7 throughout the event has been strengthened further.
He further said that all the security officials had been on high alert during last ten days, and they would remain so till Thursday, the last day of the Delhi Commonwealth games. Mr. Bhagat further said that the responsibility of the police force would continue
till the last foreign athlete and official leaves India with safety. He said that from last 12 days, around 7000 athletes and officials from 71 countries had been in New Delhi to attend the international sports event. He said that as this was the biggest sports
event India ever organized after the 1982 Asian Games, the security measures needed to be made accordingly.
Another security official working with home ministry and associated with round the clock control room told the media correspondents that there would be no compromises on security efforts till Thursday evening. He further said that though things have been
working perfectly for them, however they were not to lower the guard unless the event was completely over. From the details coming in from the Indian security officials regarding the security measures, it seemed that on Thursday Delhi would remain a closed
and restricted city.
Another security official revealed to the media that all of the government offices would remain close on Thursday; moreover, the major private offices would also follow the suit as there would be transportation problems for the employees. He further said
that the main markets of Delhi would also remain closed while schools, colleges and hostels had remained closed during the last 11 days of the event.
Just like railway stations and bus terminals, Delhi airport would also remain no-fly zone for good three hours when the closing ceremony would be going on. In order to detect any possible air intrusions, Delhi aerial security had already been upgraded with
latest radars provided by the Indian air force.
Besides all these fool proof arrangements, thousands of paramilitary and police personnel would remain on roads to guard the city from possible direct attacks. Moreover, the plainclothes security officials would also be mingling in the markets, railway stations,
bus stands and residential areas.
While commenting upon the security arrangements, Y.S. Dadwal, the Delhi Police Commissioner told the media that there had been 28,000 police personnel while 20,000 paramilitary forces which had been deployed upon the duties that were directly associated
with the games. Moreover, he said, around 50,000 police personnel of Delhi police had been on general security duties indirectly focusing on the games.
It was told to the media that for Delhiites, Thursday would be a day of traffic restrictions. The traffic towards the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium would only be allowed after 2 p.m. Moreover, the games lane traffic rules would be strictly followed on the day.
The official said that they had already fined 2000 vehicles for not following traffic rules set for the Delhi commonwealth games. Talking about the travellers’ convenience, the police official said that though the direct trains across the city would remain
close, however the alternate venues would be provided to the people for reaching the stadium.
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