Foreign Representatives Inspect Games Venues
Amid concerns and criticism over New Delhi’s preparedness for next year’s Commonwealth Games, organizers scrambled to allay fears of representatives of nations participating in the event, who were taken on a visit to some of the game venues, where they were briefed on security measures and the progress on construction.
The inspection of venues took place at the end of two-day conference convened to assuage fears about the level of security available for visiting athletes and officials. Many countries had shown their concerns over security and the slow progress of construction at the games venues.
During Thursday’s visit, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the National Stadium and the Games Village were inspected. The 76 security delegates have come in from 26 of the participating countries.
Suresh Kalmadi, chairman of organizing committee, said on Wednesday that around 90000 security personnel and 2000 CCTV cameras would be installed to protect venues and participants during the games. The Delhi Police, he said, would coordinate them from a special year control room. The Indian Air Force too would be called in for aerial surveillance over the National Capital Region.
Kalmadi said that roads would also have special corridors for players and delegates. In fact, standby commando units would be posted on all routes that players would take.
