Games security review after Sep 15, says Chidambaram

NEW DELHI - Admitting that there have been delays in setting up the security apparatus for the Commonwealth Games, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said Wednesday that another review would be done after Sep 15 after seeing arrangements for the event.

“Delays are admitted. It is not because of Delhi Police, because others have to complete their work,” Chidambaram told reporters here.

Another review of the security arrangements would be done “immediately after Sep 15″, he said.

The home minister said he was “assured that all the security overlays will be completed by Sep 15″.

“Since the home ministry is primarily responsible for security, we will do another final review on Sep 15 or shortly thereafter,” he said.

Senior home ministry officials, including Home Secretary G.K. Pillai, Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal and officers from intelligence agencies, briefed Chidambaram about the security measures for the sporting mega event that starts Oct 3.

The home minister was given a presentation on deployment of security personnel, traffic management and contingency plans during the fortnight-long event in the national capital.

Officials have arranged a four-tier security apparatus with the army providing back-up.

Over 10,000 athletes from 71 countries and 500,000 spectators are expected at the Games.

Each of the 13 competition venues for the Commonwealth Games will have a tight security ring and special arrangements will be put in place to take athletes to and from the Games Village. Helicopters carrying commando snipers will keep an eye on the convoy.

After the takeover of all venues and the Games Village, security agencies will erect metal barriers, tyre busters, CCTV cameras and metal detectors and conduct anti-sabotage drills.