The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Tight security in place for ‘Numaish’

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 26, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Tight security in place for ‘Numaish’

J.S. Ifthekhar

Exhibition Society determined to leave nothing to chance

– Photo: G. Krishnaswamy

Decking up: The pavilion works under way at the Exhibition Grounds on Tuesday.

HYDERABAD: Massive security arrangements are being made at the Exhibition Grounds, Nampally, for the annual fete beginning January 1. With the recent blasts fresh in mind, the Exhibition Society is taking no chances. For the first time, Door Frame Metal Detectors (DFMDs), hand-held detectors, vehicle inspection mirrors and close circuit televisions are being installed to ensure foolproof security. Sniffer dogs will also be on prowl to detect mischief -mongers.

The Exhibition Society has engaged the services of a professional agency to keep a watch on the movement of suspicious persons. As many as 120 security guards, including 30 women, are being drafted. This is in addition to 150 volunteers and 100 watch and ward staff to monitor the security arrangements round the clock.

Internal security panel

The 45-day ‘Numaish’ is the biggest entertainer for the Hyderabadis drawing as many as 1 lakh visitors on peak days. In view of the heightened threat perception in the wake of twin blasts at Lumbini Park and Gokul Chat and earlier at Mecca Masjid, the Exhibition Society has decided to throw a security cordon.

For the first time, it has constituted a sub-committee on internal security and is working in close coordination with police. “We are spending a substantial amount on safety measures,” said S. Narendra, vice-president, Exhibition Society.

In all, 26 CCTVs are being installed at points identified by police in the exhibition ground where people gather in large numbers. The security personnel are being equipped with walkie-talkies, said R. Sukesh Reddy, in charge, internal security.

The number of entry points is being increased at each of the three gates. The Gandhi Bhavan gate will have nine entry points, the Ajanta gate seven and the one at Malakunta four. This is to ensure smooth entry and exit of visitors.

With DFMDs in place, it is estimated that 15 to 17 persons per minute will be able to enter through the gates on peak days.

At each gate, six lady security guards are being deployed to frisk women. A dog squad will give a thorough check of the exhibition ground thrice a day. As a precaution the authorities have decided against allowing vehicles in the ground.

Entry fee

Till last year vehicles were allowed from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. During lean time, only the ‘Ajanta’ gate will remain open, Mr. Narendra said.

There is no change in the entry ticket. It remains Rs. 10 for both adults and children. Visitors can now look forward to getting pure drinking water with a reverse osmosis unit installed.

Besides, a musical fountain is all ready to enthral the visitors.

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