CGF gives thumbs up to Games security planning

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) on Monday gave a thumbs up to the capital's security plans for the October 3-14 Games, dismissing "ill-informed" safety concerns in the media.

Reacting to reports doubting capital's security plans, CGF president Michael Fennell said in a statement that all those concerns were "ill informed" and security planning for the Games was firmly on track.

"The CGF regards the safety and security of the Games, for athletes and spectators alike, as being of paramount importance and of the highest priority," Fennell said.

He said the CGF had full trust in its security advisor Intelligent Risks Pty Ltd (IR), which has vast Commonwealth, Olympic and multi-sport games experience.

"A number of recent media reports on Games' security come from comments by those who have not worked on any aspect of security planning for the Delhi 2010 Games, and do not have any serious knowledge of the detailed plans across all aspects being put in place by local authorities.

"In contrast, IR is deeply involved with all levels of the security plan, and its analysis is being undertaken by operatives with senior command or managerial experience in international major events," Fennall said.

"We value their considered and informed view, which is, that the Indian authorities are working well, with appropriate resources being provided," Fennell said.

Fennell said both the Organising Committee and Delhi Police had put in place a mechanism and also pointed out that Home Minister P Chidambaram had established the International Security Liaison Group within his portfolio to ensure appropriate international cooperation on security for the Games.

"The Ministry and OC have advised there will be a second Games International Security Conference around June 2010 to keep all nations informed, and importantly, involved," Fennell said, adding the next comprehensive CGF security adviser's review is scheduled to take place in late February and early March.