New Delhi:Â An armed squad of about 100 CISF commandos took over the security of Pragati Maidan, the sprawling exhibition facility in the heart of the national capital on Friday, in order to thwart possible threats to the lakhs of people visiting it.
The Central Industrial Security Force or CISf has deployed its troops to not only secure the entry and exit routes but also has put in a vehicle-borne quick reaction team to respond to any terror-like threat swiftly.
This is the first time that the venue, guarded till now by private guards of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), has got a specialised armed security cover.
“The CISF has taken over the security duties at Pragati Maidan and has deployed close to 100 personnel. More personnel will soon be inducted once some required logistics are in place,” a senior officer said.
Pragati Maidan hosts a number of national and international fairs and exhibitions like trade fair, book fair, auto expo, security expo, defence expo and numerous such events in various sectors.
A proposal to bring the complex under a special security cover of a trained paramilitary force like CISF was mooted in by the ITPO last year after which the Union Home Ministry gave its final nod.
ITPO is country’s premier trade promotion agency under the ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is tasked with showcasing excellence achieved by the country in diverse fields, especially trade and commerce through exhibitions and fairs.
The CISF has been tasked with securing the activities of the 124-acre campus on a 24X7 basis, which offers about 61,290
square metres of covered exhibition space in 16 halls, besides 10,000 square metres of open display area.
ITPO chief and CMD Rita Menon had earlier said security was needed in view of vulnerability of the venue to any probable trouble situation.
“The security of exhibitors, buyers and visitors is of paramount importance for us and we require a disciplined mechanism to secure the premises from threat of any kind,” Ms Menon said.
The Pragati Maidan complex witnesses a huge rush of visitors during popular exhibitions and display stalls on a variety of businesses are a regular feature at the campus virtually round the year.
Sources said a terror vulnerability profile of the facility had been carried out by experts and paramilitary officials earlier after which the CISF was tasked for the job.
The ITPO has also earmarked designated spots for placing security gadgets of the CISF like X-ray baggage scanners, metal detectors and barracks for paramilitary personnel.
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