31 nations to be briefed on 4-tier Games security

Security heads from 31 participating nations will review security arrangements for the Commonwealth Games on Thursday, taking stock of the four-layered cover that will be thrown around key venues during the mega sporting event.

Representatives from 31 countries, including Pakistan, are set to take a tour of the newly-constructed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where the opening and closing ceremonies will be held, as well as the Games village where participating teams will be put up.

Live security demonstrations will be given to security heads to help showcase preparedness of agencies to ensure foolproof protection to venues and players.

“They will be shown the four-layer security network, and things like how spectators will be frisked, vehicles checked and potential terror threats warded off. Rescue and evacuation drills will also be showcased,” a senior official overseeing the security arrangements said.

Eight heads of state have confirmed that they would be attending the Games, even as the government expects a dozen heads of state to grace the event. Only the heads of state will enjoy the privilege of being driven in cars to the games venue.

Remaining VIPs, including MPs and senior judges, will have to arrive in a bus. As per security plan, athletes and officials will be allowed into the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium only in bus. It is with this in mind that the parking of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium has been designed to accommodate 150 buses.

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

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