In the backdrop of recent terror attacks on Sri Lankan cricket players in Pakistan as well as last year’s Mumbai attack, the government approved a sum close to Rs. 80 crore ($16 million) to ensure foolproof security during the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi next year.
The money, a total of Rs.78.26 crore, will be used by the state capital Delhi’s police force in buying security equipment to ensure there is no lax security during the games to be held in the capital and adjoining areas, a home ministry official said. X-ray scanners, doorframe metal detectors, hand held metal detectors, vehicles and communication gear are some of the security equipment being looked at.
The Commonwealth Games, which brings together athletes from 71 nations and territories that formed the former British Empire, are scheduled to be held in New Delhi October 3-14, 2010.
Two committees to review security
The government has also constituted two committees, one headed by the union home secretary, and the other headed by an additional secretary, to review the security arrangements for the games.
“The two committees will hold meetings from time to time to review security arrangements at construction sites as part of security vetting of construction plans,” an official said at the launching of the Queen’s Commonwealth baton event in New Delhi on Sunday.
“We will plug all the gaps, if any, in security before the event as the whole world would be keeping an eye on the games,” the official added.
Cricket’s IPL security
In a related event, cricket’s Indian Premier League (IPL) chief Lalit Modi said he had no plans to beef up security, despite pressure from IPL-contracted foreign players for additional protection for the Twenty20 showpiece.
Modi said the unfortunate events in Pakistan had no repercussions for India’s billion-dollar tournament.
While several Australians, headed by Brett Lee, Michael Hussey and Shane Watson, want to play in the IPL, a survey conducted by the Federation of International Cricketers’ Association revealed most foreign players contracted to IPL teams had demanded security be stepped up.
However, Modi said IPL organisers already had adequate security measures in place for the tournament, which begins next month, and he dismissed fears for the future of cricket on the sub-continent.
“We already have good security and we will continue with that security. There’s no change,” he said. “What is happening with Pakistan has nothing to do with us. It is a different regime and a different country.
“If a bombing takes place in another country, it has nothing to do with the IPL,” he added.