Visitor Management System in every 5-star hotel

If you are not staying at Delhi’s five-star hotels and only visiting their bars and restaurants, do not be surprised if you are photographed and issued a visitor card.

Delhi Police has asked all high-end hotels to install visitor management system (VSM) to record info about all the visitors. Touted as a foolproof check, VSM records the entry of visitors, their movement within the hotel and details of people they are meeting. ‘‘We ask visitors for any identity proof with their photo be it a driving license or a PAN card. Using the details on the card, we issue a visitor pass,’’ said a senior staffer at the Le-Meridien Hotel where several Games delegates are staying.

Most of Delhi hotels provisioned 50% extra budget for procuring latest security gadgets for Games though modern equipment such as baggage scanners, door frame metal detectors, CCTVs were included soon after Mumbai 26/11 attack. ‘‘A large amount was spent on installation of these security gadgets. We have also illuminated the area around the hotel so that CCTV cameras can record clear images during night. We are also using VSM. Electronic equipment are thoroughly checked and manual frisking is also done,’’ said a staffer at Ashok Hotel where many dignitaries are staying.

Hotel Janpath where foreign media officials are staying too has undergone renovation for security reasons. ‘‘We have spent money on installing CCTVs, increasing the height of the boundary wall and installing boom barriers. Shatter-proof films have been used on windows to prevent the glass from falling if it breaks due to a blast. We also brief our security staff from time to time about measures to be followed when there’s emergency. Several mock drills by Delhi Police have also helped us,’’ said a hotel manager.

A hotel in Janpath has also deployed a dedicated security team to deal with terror attacks like the one in Mumbai. Hotel employees were also verified by the police before their appointment.

But the heavy security is costing the hotels dearly. ‘‘We are not able to rent out these rooms to other guests due to security constraints. Moreover, foreign tourists and top sports stars have stayed away due to negative publicity,’’ said a top manager of a five-star hotel.

Visitor Management System in every 5-star hotel

If you are not staying at Delhi’s five-star hotels and only visiting their bars and restaurants, do not be surprised if you are photographed and issued a visitor card.

Delhi Police has asked all high-end hotels to install visitor management system (VSM) to record info about all the visitors. Touted as a foolproof check, VSM records the entry of visitors, their movement within the hotel and details of people they are meeting. ‘‘We ask visitors for any identity proof with their photo be it a driving license or a PAN card. Using the details on the card, we issue a visitor pass,’’ said a senior staffer at the Le-Meridien Hotel where several Games delegates are staying.

Most of Delhi hotels provisioned 50% extra budget for procuring latest security gadgets for Games though modern equipment such as baggage scanners, door frame metal detectors, CCTVs were included soon after Mumbai 26/11 attack. ‘‘A large amount was spent on installation of these security gadgets. We have also illuminated the area around the hotel so that CCTV cameras can record clear images during night. We are also using VSM. Electronic equipment are thoroughly checked and manual frisking is also done,’’ said a staffer at Ashok Hotel where many dignitaries are staying.

Hotel Janpath where foreign media officials are staying too has undergone renovation for security reasons. ‘‘We have spent money on installing CCTVs, increasing the height of the boundary wall and installing boom barriers. Shatter-proof films have been used on windows to prevent the glass from falling if it breaks due to a blast. We also brief our security staff from time to time about measures to be followed when there’s emergency. Several mock drills by Delhi Police have also helped us,’’ said a hotel manager.

A hotel in Janpath has also deployed a dedicated security team to deal with terror attacks like the one in Mumbai. Hotel employees were also verified by the police before their appointment.

But the heavy security is costing the hotels dearly. ‘‘We are not able to rent out these rooms to other guests due to security constraints. Moreover, foreign tourists and top sports stars have stayed away due to negative publicity,’’ said a top manager of a five-star hotel.

Always Carry an ICard if You Are Going Near any Games Venues

The latest piece of advice from the cops is that you should carry an ID-card if you are going anywhere near the Commonwealth Games Village or the venues either for official work or in an emergency. Police say this will save people any hassle at security checkpoints.

‘‘There will be extensive police presence in and around the stadiums round the clock. We are aware that there will be constant movement of hundreds of citizens as several offices and residential complexes are located in the vicinity of these stadiums. So it will be wise to carry an ID proof so that people can explain to us where they plan to go,’’ said an officer in-charge of security at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Several offices function out of the CGO and Scope Complex area at Lodhi Colony right across JN Stadium. ‘‘If we ask someone the purpose of his visit, an official ID-card will help establish not only the identity of the person, but also the purpose of the visit,’’ added the officer. The offices are expected to remain closed only on the opening and closing days of the event.

The cops assure no one will be unduly harassed. ‘‘Not everyone has to carry an IDcard. This is a free country that allows free movement of people. Except where there are specific restrictions, we will not stop anyone from moving around. But police has the right to question any suspicious character and merely possessing an I-card is no guarantee that a person will not be questioned,’’ added the officer.

The Noida police and Gurgaon police, too, have advised residents on similar grounds. ‘There are a number of IT offices on both sides of the Noida Expressway. We have requested all employees who will be attending offices during the practice sessions and the main cycling event to show their ID cards during any spot checks,’’ said a senior Noida police officer. He added that on their specific request, a few IT companies have even tweaked their office timings ‘‘allowing us to shut down the Noida Expressway from 10.30am to 2.30pm till October 13 when the time trial cycling event is scheduled.

Security Alert: 40% Police Staff on Games Duty

As the capital makes its last-ditch attempt to host the Commonwealth Games successfully, the Delhi Police too is leaving no stone unturned to secure the venues and delegates coming for the sporting event. But the heavy deployment of cops on Games duty will come at a price. With over 40% of the force from each police station to be diverted for CWG security, local policing is bound to take a hit.

According to sources, a majority of the police stations — especially those located near the venues in east, central and north Delhi — will be working with only one inspector instead of the usual three from October 3 to October 14. The Station House Officer, an inspector-rank official, has been spared of Games related duty while the other two inspectors handling investigations and anti-terrorism squad have been assigned security duty during the sporting event.

SHO and the ACP level officers have been also asked to arrange their own private vehicles for their regular movement during the Games. ‘‘We could not have trusted private drivers for Games duty. Hence, we have roped in our own drivers,’’ said a senior police officer. The officer added that even middle level officers with the Police Control Room have been asked to surrender their vehicles during this period.

From securing venues to verifying over a lakh workers to carrying out regular mock drills, cops have their task cut out and accordingly they have been asked to cancel their leave applications till the end of the Games. ‘‘Moreover, the Jama Masjid attack came as a rude shock. We have to be sure that the 470 points identified earlier as sensitive are fully secured,’’ said an officer from south district.

Senior officials at the police headquarters played down the fears. ‘‘We have 175 companies of paramilitary forces. The total number of security men is expected to be around 1.75 lakh. We are aware of securing such sensitive areas like markets and festive areas where Ramlila and Durga Puja will be celebrated. Hence, we have made adequate arrangements,’’ said an officer overseeing security at the IGI stadium.

Delhi Police Leaving Nothing: Carrying Out Double Check

Under pressure to ensure a safe Games, Delhi Police is leaving nothing to chance. Claiming that they were ‘‘not provided with complete details’’ of people who have to be issued accreditation cards for smooth entry to Games venues, the cops have been forced to do a double check.

A secondary verification is being carried out in 46,000 out of the one lakh cases to prepare a database and iron out the errors in the accreditation list.

Accreditation cards are being distributed by the organizing committee (OC) after the special branch of Delhi Police carried out the primary verification of over 1 lakh people, including volunteers, medical officers, workers, vendors, Delhi Police personnel and others. However, details of around 46,000 people were found to be incomplete because of which a secondary verification is being carried out.

According to Delhi Police, the OC has given out names and other details of individuals but when the names of two persons are similar, there is no way to establish their identities. ‘‘We are preparing a list of all individuals with common name. In some lists, there are five Rajesh Kumars but their parentage and other details have not been provided by the OC,’’ said a senior police officer.

Their references and complete details are being obtained from OC and special branch for a second verification. ‘‘We also want to run a second check on the accreditation of all government officials, including medical officers who have been called from outside Delhi. Many in the list given by the OC have been exempted from any verification. This includes government officials,’’ the officer added.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police had said that once the lockdown is initiated, persons without proper accreditation will not be allowed inside.

‘There is no entry for vehicles and only those with proper pass issued from the OC are being allowed inside. Contractors and vendors who have unfinished work at the venues will be allowed only after they are issued a bumping pass. These passes are being issued by the OC in consultation with the venue commander,’’ said an officer.

LGs parking and pillion rider ban breached on Day One

A day after a meeting chaired by the lieutenant-governor, Tejendra Khanna, asked Delhi Police to ban parking within 100 meters of 470 sites identified as sensitive and not allow bikers with pillion riders in these areas, there was neither any notification, nor any action on the ground. Delhi Police said a notification was underway.

‘‘The notification is ready and will be sent to all authorities concerned early on Tuesday. We respect the decisions taken at the meeting and we will do everything to implement them,’’ said Bhagat. Delhi Police said they have also asked the management at these places to install CCTVs since they are high on the list of terror targets.

However, when Times City visited 10 spots mentioned in the list, the enormity of the task at hand became evident. At Turkman Gate, a PCR had asked drivers to move away their vehicles but they only managed to clear the front portion. Cars and three wheelers remained parked on the adjacent roads, barely 20 meters from the spot.

At India Gate, policemen feigned ignorance. ‘‘We have not received any intimation about parking so far. We are on alert but would have preferred to have a metal detector,’’ said a cop standing among parked cars, barely 80 meters from the monument.

At Safdargunj Tomb, no cops were present at the entrance. A lone traffic constable had no idea about the curbs imposed even as a staffer explained that parking was ‘‘official’’ and that the police action of stopping parking within 100 meters of the monument was only for ‘‘illegal parking.’’ The police said no such ‘‘distinctions’’ will be made because this was a security issue.

Though bikers with pillion riders kept zipping past, the cops hardly reacted. Said a cop near Jantar Mantar (where parking was as rampant as at any place else): ‘‘It is impossible to stop someone who is moving in these places on a genuine purpose. We are however keeping a eye for suspicious characters on two-wheelers.’’ The worst-affected area, perhaps, was Connaught Place where cars were parked at almost every available spot. ‘‘We are shocked that there are PCRs only for the inner circle. We read in the papers that parking will not be allowed in the vicinity and hence opted for the Metro. Yet here, we find unrestricted parking,’’ said Snigdha Gulati from the Punjabi Bagh area. The police said all necessary action to restrict parking will be taken from Tuesday when the notification is issued.

Games Security: NSG and Indian Air Force to train Delhi Police Commandos

To thwart any aerial threat during the Commonwealth Games, about 150 personnel of Delhi Police’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team have been trained by the IAF and the NSG to shoot down suspicious manned and unmanned “flying objects”.

Besides select commandos, IPS officers designated as Commonwealth Games venue commanders in charge of the venues have also been given specialized training by NSG as well as IAF. “The module was aimed at imparting skills to gun down manned and unmanned flying objects. They have received training to detect and detonate remote control flying planes or other aerial object,” a senior Delhi Police officer said requesting anonymity.

He said the trained commandos will be deployed at vantage points inside and outside 13 Games venues as snipers.

The training session was attended by senior officers and central paramilitary forces, sources said. The men were given special lessons to tackle any sort of terror strikes and a host of other situations like hostage crises and stampede, they said.

Over 70 countries are likely to participate in the sporting event scheduled here between October 3 and 14. Delhi Police and central security agencies are striving hard to ensure adequate security for the event, which is being hosted by the country for the first time. More than one lakh security personnel would be seen in action during the Games including about 175 companies (17,500 personnel) of paramilitary forces, 3,000 commandos, 100 anti sabotage teams, 200 dogs and 15 bomb disposal squads.

In view of the possibility of terror attack, the government has roped in Army specialists to operate jammers and signal decryption equipment at the Games venues. These precautions are aimed at preventing terrorists from triggering explosions by remote-control.

Brave heart Rickshaw Puller Chased Attackers; threw stones at them

We Salute the Brave heart rickshaw Puller who Show the Spirit of the Country

Salim, a 26-year-old rickshaw-puller, didn’t cower in fear when he saw the two assailants open fire. He picked up a stone and hurled them at the attackers, turning into an unlikely hero.

He was dropping a passenger at Gate No. 3 when he noticed the two gunmen opening fire on the tourist bus. Seeing Salim charging towards them, the two men panicked and dropped a magazine at the spot. He was also the one who alerted the cops nearby after which the police started chasing them. One of the constables, Pramod, posted at the gate, tried to chase the men.

Both Pramod and Salim have given investigators leads on which the probe will progress. Pramod said the two men were wearing helmets and the pillion rider was armed. Salim, meanwhile, told a famous English Daily that ‘‘one man had the bike’s engine running while the pillion rider had just finished firing the shots. He tried threatening me with the gun, but when he saw that I had a stone in hand, he panicked and dropped several live cartridges on the ground. Before I could reach them, they zoomed off.’’

‘‘I was talking to a customer when I heard the shots and saw the men escaping. My father, who was sitting nearby, told me these were gunshots and that’s why I ran to see what had happened. The men were on the bike and disappeared in a matter of seconds,’’ said B K Srivastav, who owns a shop near Gate No.3.

Other eyewitnesses said a policeman tried to follow the assailants on foot but bent down to pick up the live cartridges instead. Some other policemen reportedly followed the attackers but eventually lost the trail. The eyewitnesses also claimed that the attackers fired a shot in the air near Gate No.5 to get away without any hassle. ‘‘I saw the men zooming past my shop. They were on a Passion Plus bike and the pillion rider was wearing a green shirt while the rider was wearing black. They appeared clean shaven and were quite tall and well-built,’’ said Imran, who owns a shop near Gate No. 5.

‘I heard the shots and at first thought they were Chinese crackers that can be found in the market. It was only later that we realized what had happened,’’ said Abdul Qavi, who lives near Gate No. 5.

Terrorist Try to Spread Fear But Cannot Wipe Games Spirit

In a strike clearly aimed at creating fear and uncertainty ahead of the Commonwealth Games, two motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire on a group of Taiwanese nationals outside Jama Masjid on Sunday morning. Two tourists were injured in the attack, triggering a clampdown by the Delhi government.

The timing of the attack the anniversary of the Batla House shootout and an email by Indian Mujahideen claiming responsibility, indicate that the planners had focused on sending a ‘message’ rather than inflicting huge damage. It pointed to the continuing strategy of terrorists of picking soft targets like foreign nationals at public places.

More than two hours after the shooting, a Maruti 800 parked close to the site mysteriously caught fire. Later, the bomb disposal squad found a pressure cooker fitted with a crude device, which could be an explosive or an inflammable substance, on the rear seat.

The two Taiwanese victims, Ze-Weiku (35) and Chiang Ko (38), were rushed to Lok Nayak Hospital.

Ze-Weiku had a miraculous escape as a bullet grazed his head while Chiang Ko was hit in the right abdomen. Despite surgery, he is still stated to be critical.

CCTVs didn’t work, removed Installed after 2006 Blasts, the Cameras Didn’t Function; Metal Detectors at Jama Masjid Too Are Faulty

Jama Masjid is located in a congested and sensitive area and should be top priority for security measures, but Sunday’s attack has exposed many lapses on part of the cops.

The historic monument which witnessed two blasts on April 14, 2006 no longer has the 20 CCTV cameras that were installed soon after that incident. The cameras were removed just 15 days ago since they had stopped functioning. The metal detectors installed at the gates are not working properly and the number of policemen deployed at the monument has also thinned down as most of the cops have been put on Commonwealth Games duty.

The two attackers on Sunday fired several times at the tourists in front of Gate No.3 and managed to escaped though the police station is located barely a few hundred metres away. Due to the heavy footfall of foreigners and locals, cops says they find it impossible to scan each and every individual. The traffic congestion and narrow lanes near the mosque make it more vulnerable to such attacks.

After the incident on Sunday, the cops were seen removing vendors from the road, but the damage was already done.

The Shahi Imam of the mosque, Ahmed Bukhari, claimed that the CCTV cameras were installed after ‘‘Delhi Police asked Delhi the wakf board to step up security. Despite repeated requests to the wakf board to make the cameras work, nothing happened. Finally, we got them removed 15 days ago and sent them back to the board,’’ claimed the Imam.

Police said most of the doorframe metal detectors were not working and hence hand-held detectors were used. ‘‘On rush days, it is impossible to check each and every visitor. We have a strong police presence in and around the mosque and all the gates are manned by policemen round the clock,’’ said a police officer.

Meanwhile, the mosque authorities claimed they have been requesting the Union home ministry orally and in writing to increase security measures at Jama Masjid. The Shahi Imam had in May this year written to home minister P Chidambaram seeking upgrading of security at the mosque. He had suggested measures like installation of CCTV cameras and deployment of CRPF personnel. Bukhari said highly trained personnel were needed to man Jama Masjid as it had been targeted by terrorists in 2006.

Syed Yahya Bukhari, the Imam’s younger brother and president of Jama Masjid United Forum, claimed the metal detectors were only for show and could be easily bypassed by people entering the mosque as the police personnel deployed there were not present always. ‘‘Even if some higher authority comes to check whether security measures are in place, the personnel are tipped in advance and they are there on duty when the checking takes place. This doesn’t help anybody,’’ he said.

NO Time for Security Rehearsals

In a volte-face of sorts, Delhi Police said on Monday that its primary aim is to ensure a safe Commonwealth Games and nothing has affected preparations so far. The statement comes days after special commissioner (administration) Neeraj Kumar said in a news conference that the ‘‘delay’’ in handing over the sporting venues could have been avoided from the security point of view.

In fact, sources said they ‘‘requested’’ civic agencies to complete the ‘‘crucial’’ part of the construction work before the police took over the venues on September 1.

The fresh defense became necessary following allegations that at several key venues like the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and the Games Village, several security apparatus like cameras, sensors and the much-needed Intrusion Detection System is yet to be installed or tested yet.

The sources said the home ministry would have liked ‘‘extensive testing of the security apparatus, preferably for three months’’. Under the changed circumstances, the security forces are likely to get only 14 days of full dress rehearsals.

A senior officer of Delhi police said mock exercises have already begun at all the venues and 60 drills have so far been conducted. ‘‘The most important job is to familiarise the security forces with the layout of the venues. We do not need heavy gadgets or armoury to carry out such drills,” said the officer.

A company named Electronic Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) was hired to install security devices at the venues. However, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, for example, a wall around the stadium where the gadgets had to be fitted is yet to be completed.

‘‘A safety audit by an Australian firm appointed by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CWF) has expressed satisfaction about the security. Representatives from 21 nations have been shown the security and traffic plans for two consecutive days and all of them were satisfied. So where is the question of failing the test?’’ asked an official.

Games Security to be Reviewed by 31 Countries

Security heads of 31 participating nations, including Pakistan, will take stock on Thursday of the security in Commonwealth Games village and venues where a four-layer protection will be provided during the fortnight-long mega sporting event here in October.

Eight heads of state have confirmed their participation while four more are expected to attend the Commonwealth Games for which, however, no credible terror threat has come yet.

Live security demonstration will be given to the representatives of the Commonwealth countries on Thursday at the Games village at Yamuna Bank and Jawaharlal Nehru stadium where the opening and closing ceremonies will be held. ‘‘They will be shown four-layer security procedure, how to frisk spectators, check vehicles, foil possible terror strike and rescue and evacuation drills,’’ an official said.

Over 10,000 athletes from 71 countries and 500,000 spectators are expected to take part in the Games to be held from October 3-14. 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. Parking arrangement has been made for 150 buses in the Jawaharlal Nehru 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 village with helicopters carrying commando snipers keeping eye on the convoys below.

This is to prevent a repeat of the Lahore attack of March 2009 in which militants shot at and injured Sri Lankan cricketers touring Pakistan. To ensure fleet security, each of the 574 vehicles used for ferrying athletes will have to undergo a mandatory anti sabotage clearance every morning before athletes board them.

Special Team to keep check on corruption in Delhi Police

Now, the cops will be policing the police. With an RTI reply putting Delhi Police among the most corrupt agencies in the city, top police officers have come to a conclusion that a dedicated squad is needed to keep an eye on their subordinates in the capital.

Sources said there are reports that many cops are cashing in on the construction frenzy and frantic commercial activities before the Commonwealth Games to earn some ‘‘extra bucks’’ in the form of bribes and kickbacks. Senior police officers said the special squad will keep a tab on cops so that they do not turn to corrupt ways.

‘‘For example, we have launched a new tenant verification process across the city in view of the upcoming Commonwealth Games. Every third person in Delhi is a tenant. With only 72 days remaining before the Games, we fear many people may try to bribe police personnel in a bid to get verification certificate quickly without going through the required process,’’ said a senior police officer.

Sources said Delhi Police commissioner Y S Dadwal has asked senior officers to take strong action against corrupt cops. Earlier, while interacting with media persons Dadwal had said he will not tolerate corrupt police personnel.

Official Hotel for CWG, Hotel Ashok Running Without Fire Clearance

Ashok, the official hotel for the Commonwealth Games, is functioning without a valid fire clearance certificate for more than a month now. In gross violation of safety norms, the hotel including some floors where the fire safety system was reportedly taken ‘‘off the loop’’ for renovation work is open to guests.

While hotel officials claimed the certificate is due any day and the inspection is over, the concerned divisional fire officer said that the department has been ‘‘too busy of late’’ and the inspection is pending for a month now. He also conceded that the department normally does not allow any ‘‘grace period’’ for renewal of the certificate and hotels have to do so annually. But, he made it clear; some concessions can be made for a hotel that has cleared the fire test for 30 years now.

Meanwhile, a complaint received by the office of the commissioner of police (reference number 5383/email dated 12/6/2010) and the fire department has alleged that none of the sprinklers in the hotel are working.

The divisional fire officer said there is no truth in the letter as the hotel ‘‘has been getting a fire clearance for 30 years and the system cannot disappear in a day’’. Interestingly, the 4th, 5th, 7th and ground floors of the hotel are being renovated and overhauling of the fire equipment is within the scope of that work, confirmed officials in the public relations department of the hotel. The smoke detectors too have reportedly been disabled in many areas, said sources.

Sources in the fire department said the hotel has not yet submitted the ‘‘as-built’’ plan for the floors on which renovation is happening which is a mandatory requirement for the fire certificate.

While chief fire officer R C Sharma admitted that the fire safety mechanism on some floors of the hotel where renovation is on has been disabled, his deputy, A K Sharma, made it clear that fire clearance is issued for the entire building and, hence, if any part of the system is not up to the specifications, the entire building is refused a certificate.

The hotel’s general manager, P K Mathur said, ‘‘Our certificate expired in Mayend and the inspection happened around 10-15 days back. All the hydrants, sprinklers, everything is working.’’ Divisional fire officer Atul Garg confirmed receipt of the letter about the sprinklers but says there is no hurry to check its authenticity as ‘‘the hotel has written to us for renewal and the inspection is due for about a month now. We have been too busy. But the certificate is a mere technicality as it is not a new hotel and it has been getting fire clearances for three decades.’’ But he conceded that extensive renovation work or upgrading of equipment may require disconnecting the fire safety mechanism in parts. ‘‘But all systems in The Ashok are installed,’’ he stressed.

Radio Security System Trials for CWG to Start Soon

Three months to go for the Commonwealth Games and the Delhi government is finally getting around to putting one of its most anticipated security systems on trial.

According to officials in the government, the much talked about Tetra a radio based secured communications system goes on trial from July. The trials will initially be conducted by the Delhi government and later, other agencies will join in. The system is the backbone of the communications network that will be in place during the Games, making for a seamless patchwork of communication between 18 agencies, including the Delhi police, the Organizing Committee of the Commonwealth Games, NDMC, MCD, the fire department, and a host of other agencies involved in management of the Games.

The system will also address the security of athletes, delegates and all other VVIPs who will be in the city at the time.

This is the first time the government will be conducting trials of the system. According to sources, Tetra was also used during the Beijing Olympic Games, where the system crashed. However, Delhi government officials dismiss the incident, claiming measures have been taken to tackle such problems.

Said Delhi government IT secretary Savitur Prasad, ‘‘The magnitude of the event is different. Here, the Commonwealth Games are not on the same scale as the Olympics. Besides, we have already addressed the issue, so that redundancy has been built into the system. We don’t anticipate the same problems as Beijing had.’’

Sources say the trials are an important part of the process, as adequate exposure to TETRA is needed to use the system properly, and to anticipate any problems that may crop up. The system, which the Delhi government acquired for Rs 100 crore, will be used extensively during the Games as a secured communications network for security and administrative agencies. Around 10,000 handsets have already been commissioned for use.

Sources said base stations have been set up, and a full-scale trial will be conducted soon in which all concerned agencies will participate.

The handsets will be utilized in various ways, including, for instance, on buses used to ferry athletes or VIPs or to pass on information about security details.

Officials admit the trials are important, especially to address any real-time issues that may crop up. Prasad however insisted that the system was ready to be implemented. ‘‘It’s a security issue, so we wouldn’t like to divulge details. However, I will say the system has been set up and will be operational soon.’’

Commonwealth Games security drill begins

With not even 100 days left for Commonwealth Games, Delhi Police has embarked on a confidence-building exercise to allay fears about security concerns in the run-up to the sporting extravaganza.

On Saturday, Delhi Police commissioner YS Dadwal reviewed security arrangements at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium and Talkatora Stadium and announced ‘man-named deployment’ at the two venues. Under this, each policeman is assigned one fixed position.

With this deployment, cops will be trained about their positions and in dealing with emergency situations. It is aimed at providing real-time analysis to the officials entrusted with the inner security at the stadia. The drill, which started on Saturday, will be carried out every 10 days.

Once these venues are handed over to Delhi Police, the cops will further tighten the security the stadia will be sanitized and locked from September 15. During the sporting event, the cops will monitor movements at the venue from the Central Command and Control Centre for Information (C4i) being set up at the Delhi Police headquarters. CCTV cameras will bring live feeds to the control centre, round-the-clock.

Elaborating on the arrangements, commissioner Dadwal said: ‘‘We are carrying out this drill much before the actual dates to check preparedness and further fine-tune security at the stadia. I am satisfied with the preparedness.’’

However, the top cop seemed perturbed about vehicular movement in the city. ‘‘Traffic during the Games is a reason to worry. There will be movement of players, athletes, delegates. Plus, spectators will also come to the venues. So, I would request public to cooperate with the police. We will come out with advisories and request public to follow them. Dedicated traffic lane is being carved out for Games traffic,’’ Dadwal said.

Calling for cooperation from citizens, he said: ‘‘We will try our best to educate people. This is a great event for the city. Whatever arrangement is made by police, it can be successful only with people’s cooperation.’’

The security around each of the venues has been classified into four zones. The first check will be carried out in the outer zone where parking and traffic will be managed. Only those with valid tickets will be allowed into the second zone called middle zone after a soft check.

At the next level, spectators will be channelized into different enclosures after another round of checks. ‘‘In the inner cordon, bar-coded tickets will be checked and spectators will be photographed. All VIP cars will be made to pass through scanners. The final level, an exclusion zone, is the area 30 meters from the sporting venue. Here, all will undergo manual frisking, will be searched by hand-held metal detectors,’’ said a senior cop. Dadwal added that police is working in ‘‘very close coordination’’ with other security agencies, including National Security Guards.

He said that personnel are being given behavioral training to deal with the foreign tourists during the Games.

Now New Zealand express security concerns during Games

Despite innumerable assurances by the sports minister as well as the Organizing Committee of the Commonwealth Games 2010, security continues to remain the primary concern for several participating countries. The latest country to voice their apprehension is New Zealand, where the Delhi Games 2010 Queen’s Baton relay visited earlier last week.

Sources say security concerns were on the agenda even as the local Indian and Kiwi community came out to welcome the Baton. Said an official who was part of the team which visited the country, ‘‘Security concerns were definitely the primary issue on the agenda. We had an in depth discussion with local officials as well as the sports and political brass about the security arrangements that India is making for the Games.’’ According to sources, the ‘‘discussion’’ was the focus at even the cultural events that were organized to welcome the Baton. Added the source, ‘‘Both officials and the local media had apprehensions about the security climate and how safe it was to bring athletes to India. We had to detail some of the plans to make them aware of the elaborate arrangements that India is making for the Games.’ The officials said that the local media was especially interested in the security plans.

Incidentally, the New Zealand Olympic Association had raised the issue once before in April this year, right after the bomb scare in Bangalore during the IPL. At that time, NZOA officials had said participation would be possible only after they were satisfied with the arrangements made for the CWG.

Till date, participating countries like Australia and the United Kingdom have risen concerns about security with even some sportspersons like Australian swimmer Stephanie Rice expressing apprehensions about arrangements. Sources say the security issue has been at the forefront in many countries on the Baton route despite the fact that the previous security liaison conference saw the Delhi plans get a thumbs-up. The Commonwealth Games Federation has also shown approval of the security plans of the government for the Games, though it has admitted that there was a need to keep a close look. The next security liaison conference is expected to take place late next month or early-July.

The security issue has been dodging the organizing committee (OC) since the bid for the Delhi Games was won in 2003. The OC as well as the government has often spoken about the arrangements, drawn up by the home ministry and the Delhi police. OC officials say the CGF’s international security consultant has already given approval to India’s security preparedness. ‘‘We have had a number of security briefings for the heads of missions of the Commonwealth countries. At each such forum, our security plans and arrangements have been welcomed,’’ added OC officials.

Delhi Police is Grappling with the Problem of Creating a Centralized Security Clearance

Delhi Police is grappling with the problem of creating a centralized system to provide security clearance to thousands of officials, athletes and other supporting staff at over 50 Commonwealth Games venues.

"There will be multi-department interaction during the Commonwealth Games. Police personnel and officials from civic agency, ministries, departments including those in charge of cleaning and upkeep of the venues would have to be given access. There is a need of a system to identify such men and allow them the entry," a senior Delhi Police official said.

Official sources said a number of personnel from civic agencies Municipal Corporation of Delhi and New Delhi Municipal Council, Sports Ministry, Culture Ministry, central paramilitary forces, private supporting staff for catering and house-keeping work among others shall be frequenting Games venues.

Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal, who has been interacting with members of his departmental technical committee on the matter, is the nodal officer in-charge of security matters.

Authorities are considering the idea of issuing security cum identity passes which will provide limited and graded access to officials and staff.

Delhi Police has already carried out a security audit of all the Games venues. According to the information given on CWG website the 17 sports to feature in the Games will be held at six venue clusters and five stand-alone venues in Delhi.

Besides, 26 new training venues are being constructed for the Games for different sports. Apart from this, 16 training venues are being upgraded.

Delhi Police has also made a crisis management plan to deal with any contingencies including fire, stampede and terror attacks at the Games venues.

Delhi Police is on a heightened alert against the possibility of terror attacks during the Games.
Sources said the Delhi Police, which is the first line of defense at Games venues, does not as yet have any data on the number of such employees or officials who shall be coming to the venues.
"We are coordinating with different departments including several ministries, civic bodies and central security agencies as to how we can address the issue. Providing daily passes to such officials will not be possible," the official said.

Commonwealth Games will be held from October 3 to 14 in the national capital.

Lakhs of domestic and foreign visitors including athletes, media persons, security officers and dignitaries will be coming to attend the event. Other than this, hundreds of supporting staff shall be providing various services during the event.

Delhi Cops Got a Robot to Detect and Defuse Bombs

Delhi Police has procured a mini remote-operating vehicle (MROV) which will be used in Bomb finding and defuse operations.

The MROV, which came at the whopping price of Rs 90 lakh, is the first of its kind robot bought by Delhi Police. It primarily helps to detect and disarm hidden bombs and explosives, instead of sending in a human to do the same job, but it is also capable of much more. The robot has been imported from Canada and can be remote controlled within a radius of 500 meters. ‘‘The MROV, which weighs 65 kg, can also drag a weight of 113 kg. Therefore, without risking the life of another human being, it can drag a human body out of a combat zone,” said a senior police officer.

Delhi Police bought the robot ahead of the Commonwealth Games as an added safeguard. Joint commissioner of police (northern range) Karnal Singh said, ‘‘The robot will be useful in bomb-scare situations. This is why we bought one for Delhi Police.” The robot, which has arms and shoulders, has four night-vision cameras fitted on it. It can also operate underwater and over rough terrain. One of its four cameras is a zoom camera. The MROV moves at a maximum speed of 8 kilometer per hour and a minimum speed of 3 kilometer per hour. It can also climb heights and can be used in a mounted position, to say aim a water cannon down at a rioting mob.

The MROV is weatherproof. It can also be used in rescue operations where it might otherwise have been dangerous to send in a human rescuer. But it is not fire-resistant, added an official. The machine, added the official, has a SWAT (special weapons and tactics) feature since it can be used to fire a weapon or water cannon after it has been mounted. The feature helps agencies when they do not want to risk the life of a policeman or a soldier.

Delhi Police said they will impart training to their personnel to operate the MROV. The robot has been bought through a tender, which means the company will also be responsible for annual maintenance of the machine.

Markets to be Closed on Opening and Closing Ceremony

Delhi Police wants all major Delhi markets to be closed on the opening and closing days of the Commonwealth Games 2010. The opening ceremony of the 11-day sporting extravaganza will be held on October 3 and the closing ceremony will be held on October 14, both at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The list of markets which the cops want shut on those two days include Khan Market, Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar, Connaught Place, Greater Kailash, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, Rajouri Garden, and others which are popular with foreign nationals.

The move comes days after the US, UK and Australia issued advisories warning their citizens about possible terror attacks in the capital in areas frequented by foreigners. The Delhi Police advisory was sent to various market associations, with the cops asking shop owners to help manage the mega event. Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said, ‘‘We have asked the market associations for their support as that will help Delhi Police manage the Games and manpower can then be utilized in other places.”

Another senior officer of Delhi Police said the closure of the markets will reduce the burden of law and order on Delhi Police. There will be less traffic and we will be able to focus on security for the Games. Since it is an 11-day sporting event, our resources will be exhausted. The markets can stay open on their weekly offs in lieu of the days they are being asked to shut down,” said an officer. The opening ceremony will take place on October 3, a Sunday, while the closing ceremony will be held on October 14, which is a Thursday and which is likely to be declared a national holiday by the government.

A shopkeeper from Connaught Place said, ‘‘who will bear our losses? Delhi Police wants the entire city to stay inside their houses so they can provide security for Games.”

President of Khan Market Association, Sanjeev Mehra, however, said, ‘‘we will cooperate with the police. It’s a question of national honor and we want to extend our support. All shopkeepers will follow the advisory. Sales will suffer but there was no need for the police to use coercion when asking for markets to be shut down.”

4000 Troops to Escort Athletes to and from Venues

India's Ministry of Defense had originally been asked to provide 300 troops for marshalling duties during the 11-day games.

But the Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee revealed yesterday it had asked the country's security forces this week to increase its presence to almost 4000 to escort athletes to and from venues.

The Indian cabinet was due to consider the request last night, which will require the armed forces to redeploy personnel from other states at a time when the country is facing a heightened threat from Maoist rebels waging an insurgency across large parts of India.

The additional measures are unlikely to assuage the fears of Australian athletes, however, who this week expressed concern for the safety of those not covered by high-level Games security - including families, friends and other spectators.

Among those to express fears was retired swimming great Kieren Perkins who: "I've got family, I've got kids and I'm not going to be risking my life for a sporting event."

While Saturday's bomb blast at Bangalore's Chinnaswamy Stadium - which injured eight people - was small in comparison to a February attack in Pune that killed 17 people, it has raised fresh doubts about India's ability to make the event secure.