CWG security to be ready by Sep 15: P Chidambaram

A four-tier security for the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games was announced as the government on Wednesday finalised its security structure for the Games after a high-level meeting on security chaired by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram.

Speaking on CWG security, Chidambaram said: “Security overlays for the Commonwealth Games will be completed by September 15.”

Chidambaram said that a four-tier security apparatus with Army back-up will be put in place during the Games. Over 10,000 athletes from 71 countries and 500,000 spectators are expected at the Games.

The meeting was attended by Home Secretary G K Pillai and Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal.

Senior officials from intelligence agencies and National Security Guards briefed Chidambaram about the measures for the mega sporting event.

Dadwal is understood to have given a presentation on deployment of security personnel, traffic management and contingency plans for emergencies.

Security agencies will take over all the Games venues starting September 7. The security apparatus will consist of Delhi Police and paramilitary forces.

Helicopters will also be used for aerial surveillance and will also carry commando snipers.

The beefed up security steps are being taken to prevent incidents like the attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore in March 2009. Army units will provide the back-up during the Games.

The government also said that so far there is no specific threat to the Games.

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.