In wake of intelligence inputs indicating that terrorists may target Commonwealth Games, due in Delhi and UP in October, the UP police has decided to entrust security of the games venue in Noida, to blue hawks, the elite commandos of the state's anti-terrorist squad (ATS).
Commandos are
also being rushed to Agra and Mathura, the two places of tourist interest, likely to be frequented by visitors from abroad arriving in for the games.
While a major chunk of the games would be held in Delhi, Noida would host the cycling competition on October 13. Noida's resident welfare associations are also being approached to ensure police verification of new tenants and a fully computerized modern control room, equipped with Geographical Information System (GIS) module, is already in place to track movement of VIP fleets as well as vehicles carrying sportsmen and visiting dignitaries.
Installation of CCTVs around strategically important locations, including the Expressway, the venue for the cycling competition, is on and "a fully computerized Dial 100 system too would be in place soon for taking several distress calls simultaneously." Along with the mandatory anti-sabotage checks and bomb disposal squads, hi tech quick reaction teams and a special police squad to manage traffic during the games too has been planned. "We are not taking any chances. The entire games venue would be under surveillance and the security aspects would be jointly ensured by UP and Delhi police. The Delhi police have also been requested to help train the UP cops too," said ADG Brij Lal, who recently held a meeting with Noida cops. He said special effort is being taken to select young, smart and English speaking cops who could converse with the foreigners and help them in an emergency or play the guide to those who have lost their way.
Railways are being alerted and the GRP would be put on alert on those days when Delhi-Agra special train would be run during the Commonwealth games for the benefit of foreigners wanting to visit the Taj-land.