New Delhi, November 13, 2006, Devesh K. Pandey (The Hindu)

Maidan for the India International Trade Fair-2006, that commences on November 14, due to the heightened threat perception from terrorist outfits, which could target such thickly populated destinations in view of a heavy influx of people including VIPs during the fair.

As many as 45 closed-circuit television cameras have been installed in and around the exhibition halls at Pragati Maidan to cover the entire premises where the fair is being organised. They would also keep a close eye on the movement of people and cargo at all the 11 entrances and the ticket-counters. For the first time, arrangements have been made to organise sale of tickets at the Metro rail counters with an incentive in order to avoid ticket rush at the Pragati Maidan gates.

Apart from the sanctioned strength of 850 police personnel, volunteers from other departments would be deployed at Pragati Maidan as part of the security arrangements. Policemen in plainclothes would also be deployed to keep a close watch on suspicious individuals and their activities. A total of 11 Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) comprising of Delhi police commandos are being deployed to tackle any eventuality.

This year, the police have sought help from the Civil Defence personnel to actively participate in the entire exercise.

They would also be deployed for various purposes, while women police personnel would also be on the outlook to book individuals and mischief-makers in cases of eve teasing.

"There would be complete access control. Taking no risks and using extra ordinary precautions the police have installed X-ray machines at all the 11 entrance gates in order to scan the cargo that would be transported inside the Pragati Maidan complex by individuals, companies and corporates who are taking part in the mega event. We have made adequate arrangements to make sure that those who indulge in any kind of criminal act or mischief get caught," said Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajiv Ranjan. Last year, six X-ray machines had been installed.

Army and Intelligence Bureau are providing technical assistance to the police for conducting anti-sabotage checks and mine sweeping exercises every day during the fortnight-long fair that attracts lakhs of people every year.

In addition to this, the traffic police have also been deployed in adequate numbers advising people to avoid routes along the Mathura Road from the Appu Ghar side. Boards indicating the diversions and what all roads need to avoid have also come up at various points along the Ring Road and ITO crossing. For the first time, people will be able to access Pragati Maidan through the Metro rail with the opening of the Barakhamba-I.P. Estate line on Saturday.