‘Games no match for Kumbh’

Helicopters, more than one lakh policemen and over 2,000 close-circuit cameras will be deployed to ensure complete security during Commonwealth Games 2010, reports Aloke Tikku.

Helicopters, more than one lakh policemen and over 2,000 close-circuit cameras will be deployed to ensure complete security during Commonwealth Games 2010.

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That was the promise India made to the heads of missions of countries participating in next year’s Games, on Wednesday.

Union Home Secretary GK Pillai told the heads of missions that India’s security establishment was well prepared to handle potential threats and a security blueprint was in place.

“We told them that we handle 60 million people from January to April for the Kumbh Mela. So handling about 100,000 visitors will not be difficult for us,” said Pillai.

Pillai, however, made it clear that there was no specific terrorist threat to the Games, and the government would sensitise police chiefs of other states to ramp up security ahead of the Games, to provide a secure environment in the country.

Nearly 30 countries were represented by the heads of missions or their representatives at Wednesday’s security briefing. Next on the home ministry’s cards is the meeting of security administrators of the participating countries on September 23.

Delhi’ites, however, could face traffic disruptions during the Games, as security agencies throw a three-tier security cordon around sporting venues and the route taken by participants.

Pillai said the security officials have incorporated lessons to ensure that terrorists cannot execute a Lahore-type attack — in which two buses carrying cricketers were ambushed — on the athletes.

Pillai said all venues would be sealed seven days ahead of the Games and every vehicle being used by the visiting participants would be checked and secured daily for the night.