'No security concerns from participating countries'

Responding to a question in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Sports Pratik Prakashbapu Patil said, “The Ministry of Home Affairs and Delhi have set up an International Security Liaison Group (ISLG) to ensure safety of their delegates and sportspersons.

“The ISLG has been in constant touch with participating countries with a view to discussing security plans and addressing their security concerns. The ISLG has also been organising collective and individual briefings of the participating countries to apprise them of the elaborate arrangements being made to thwart any terrorist attempt,” he added.

However, star athletes like Australian swimmer Stephanie Rice have expressed security concerns about travelling to India. Patil said extensive planning is in place to counter threats. “Delhi police has prepared a detailed plan in this regard for providing a safe and secure environment for successful staging of the Commonwealth Games.

“This plan, inter-alia, includes safety and security of visiting heads of state, athletes, officials, foreign media personnel and spectators. It will ensure maintenance of law and order and smooth flow of traffic during the Games,” he said.

The Government has sanctioned Rs 330 crore for procurement of high-tech weapons and gadgets, including devices to counter possible nuclear and biological attacks, during the Commonwealth Games.

The Home Ministry has given highest priority to the security of the sporting extravaganza from October 3 to 14. “All weapons and equipment will be procured and put in place well before the Commonwealth games begins. We will ensure that funds will not be a constraint in the overall security of the games,” a Home Ministry official said.