Security in Delhi beefed up ahead of Commonwealth Games

The directive came following a review of Delhi's security after the firing incident near Jama Masjid in which two Taiwanese nationals were injured.

In the run up to the fortnight-long mega sport event, additional forces would be deployed in all sensitive and crowded locations, markets and religious places to prevent any untoward incident, Home Ministry sources said.

Meanwhile, Home Secretary Gopal K Pillai today took stock of the Commonwealth Games security and crowd controlling measures being taken during the event.

The meeting discussed effectiveness of CCTVs, boom barriers and other security mechanism being installed in the Games village and venues.

According to the security plan, 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 106 buses at JLN stadium.

As the games organising committee will be arranging conducted tours for the participants to Agra, Home Ministry discussed with the officials of Uttar Pradesh Police about their security on road as well as in the historic city.

Today's review meeting also decided that the Delhi Police will take over the full responsibility of security of all games venues tomorrow mid-night.

A four-tier security apparatus is being put in place during the Games. However, so far there is no specific threat to the Games.

Over 10,000 athletes from 71 countries and 500,000 spectators are expected at the Games to be held from October 3 to 14.

Each of the 13 competition venues for the Commonwealth Games will have a tight security ring and special arrangements will be made to transport the athletes to and from the Games Village escorted by helicopters carrying commando snipers keeping an eye on the convoys.

This is aimed at preventing incidents like the attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore in March 2009.

To ensure fleet security, each of the 574 vehicles to be used for ferrying athletes across the city will have to undergo mandatory anti-sabotage clearance every morning before athletes board them.

"The security will be similar to the one put in place in Parliament," an official said.