New Delhi: As Delhi Police gears up to take over Commonwealth Games venues next week, Home Minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday said security overlays in the games clusters will be completed by September 15 and thereafter he will review the steps being taken.
Addressing a press conference, Chidambaram said he reviewed the security measures being put in place in all Commonwealth Games venues and the Games Village today and would do the same again after September 15.
"We will do another review immediately after September 15. They (security agencies) have assured me that all security overlays will be completed by September 15," he said.
The Home Minister said since Ministry of Home Affairs has the primary responsibility for security, he would conduct the Commonwealth Games security review again on September 15 or shortly thereafter.
Chidambaram admitted that there was delay in completing the project works which resulted in delaying the security related tasks in the games venues and village.
"Delays are admitted. It is not because of Delhi Police, because others have to complete their works. I just now stayed that the security overlays will be completed by September 15 that is what I was told."
Earlier in the day, top officials including Home Secretary G K Pillai, Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal and senior officials from intelligence agencies and National Security Guards briefed Chidambaram about the security measures for the mega sporting event starting October 3.
Dadwal has given a presentation on deployment of security personnel, traffic management and contingency plan for emergency.
A four-tier security apparatus with Army back-up will be put in place during the Games. However, so far there is no specific threat to the Games.
Over 10,000 athletes from 71 countries and 500,000 spectators are expected at the Games.
According to the security plan, athletes, officials and guests can visit the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium only by bus and no VIPs, except the heads of state, will be allowed to take their cars in. Parking arrangement has been made for 150 buses at the stadium.
Each of the 13 competition venues for the Commonwealth Games will have a tight security ring and special arrangements will be made to transport the athletes to and from the Games Village. Helicopters carrying commando snipers will keep an eye on the convoys.
This is aimed at preventing incidents like the attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore in March 2009.
To ensure fleet security, each of the 574 vehicles to be used for ferrying athletes across the city will have to undergo mandatory anti-sabotage clearance every morning before athletes board them.
Besides, after the takeover of all venues and the Village, security agencies will start their work for erecting metal barriers, tyre busters, CCTV and metal detectors and conduct anti-sabotage drills. PTI
