Security blanket for CYG venues
News — By The Desk on October 1, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Times of India, Pune: The city police are leaving no stone unturned for the forthcoming Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG), starting October 12.
The Balewadi stadium premises will be monitored by around 100 CCTVs while the cameras have already been installed on all VIP roads. The police have received some of the security equipment with vehicles while the rest will reach in the coming days.
Besides supplementary staff from the office of the Director General of Police, paramilitary forces with specially trained commandos will be deputed during the mega sports event. “There will be 10 assault teams comprising 300 personnels to strike down any sudden attacks,’’ said additional commissioner of police (crime) Rajender Singh. Also, special teams comprising specially trained commandos will arrive from Delhi soon.
The Pune police had sought Rs 17 crore from state government for purchasing safety equipment. “We have purchased cars, jeeps, police buses and motorcycles to ensure smooth and timely movement of our policemen. Instruments like door-frame metal detectors, hand metal detectors and different types of barricades have also been bought. The police are awaiting X-ray scanners and modified bomb trucks,’’ Singh said.
“We have just one X-ray scanner, deployed at entrance of the police commissionerate building. More scanners and bomb trucks from abroad, which will reach here in due course of time,’’ Singh said.
Moreover the Balewadi campus, which has around nine stadiums, will be closely monitored by over 100 closed circuit televisions (CCTVs). “The civic body has also put cameras on major crossings of the VIP routes from the airport to Balewadi,’’ Singh said.
Five Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) teams have been called in addition to the present five available with the city, said Singh.
The Pune police are expecting around 25,000 to 30,000 visitors on inauguration and closing day functions. On routine days, around 15,000-20,000 visitors are expected, said Singh.
The police had also asked the civic body to construct a perimeter wall along the stadium. “The work will be completed much before the event,’’ he added.
