Porters banned at venue

Looking at the vulnerability of the venue and the large number of footfall, porters and coolies have been banned inside the India International Trade Fair (IITF).

Monday, being a working day, couldn't dampen the spirit of Delhiites as about 90,000 people visited the annual India International Trade Fair (IITF) at Pragati Maidan here.

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Unlike the weekend, no gates or ticket counters were shut on Monday. "The exit was speedier as most visitors did not stay for long. Every hour we were getting a crowd of 7,000 that made things easier for us," said a senior ITPO official.

Looking at the vulnerability of the venue and the large number of footfall, porters and coolies have been banned inside the venue. Only passholders are allowed to bring coolies with them. "During the last couple of days, we saw many people entering Pragati Maidan with a ticket to work as a coolie. Now, we have banned any such work inside the venue to avoid any security threat," the official said.

Ragpickers, who come and collect the waste, have also been banned from entering the venue. "There were complaints that minors were left for rag picking inside the venue. We have banned their entry. Besides, as a part of a special drive all stray dogs have also been thrown out of the venue," said the official.

More than two lakh people visited the trade fair during the weekend and the number is expected to be higher during the next weekend as the fair closes next Sunday. Till now, only two persons have been booked by the police for eve-teasing.