City turns fortress for delegates’ visit

More than 3,000 policemen kept guard as the Commonwealth Games delegation visited four venues in the city on Thursday, reports Vijaita Singh.

More than 3,000 policemen kept guard as the Commonwealth Games delegation visited four venues in the city on Thursday.

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Delhi Police personnel were put in action as early as 4 am for providing cover to the delegates. At least 1,000 of them provided security cover to the convoy of 200 delegates.

“They were in escort vehicles and pilot cars, and also as personal security officers,” said a senior police officer on condition of anonymity.

Considering the “high threat perception”, elaborate security arrangements were put in place on Wednesday.

Policemen were asked to “sanitise the routes” delegates were to take four hours before their movement. The venues too were cordoned off.

The Ashok — the official Games hotel in Chanakyapuri where the delegation was put up — was turned into a fortress with no unauthorised person being allowed on the premises.

Parking outside the hotel was restricted and commandos and Rapid Action Force officials were patrolling the streets.

Smooth ride

Despite fear that delegates' movements through the city would cause traffic jams on certain routes, the movement of vehicles remained smooth though out the day.

Many roads were closed in wake of the visit of the delegates.

“There was absolutely no traffic jam. We did not have to stop traffic anywhere. It was possible only because of the cooperation of Delhiites,” said SN Srivastava, joint commissioner of police (traffic). “People responded to our advisory by avoiding areas where the delegates were to move.”

Many people chose to stay indoors because of the traffic restrictions.

“I had to visit a dentist in the morning. I read in the newspapers that many roads would be closed. So, I deferred my visit,” said Roshima Sharma, a resident of Mayur Vihar in east Delhi who had to go to a clinic in Greater Kailash-I.

“There was 25-30 per cent less traffic on these roads in comparison to normal working days," said the officer.