Date:28/11/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/11/28/stories/2005112813910100.htm

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Cops breathe a sigh of relief as Trade Fair ends

Staff Reporter

LAST MINUTE RUSH: All roads lead to Pragati Maidan on Sunday, the last day of the India international Trade Fair in New Delhi. Photo: Anu Pushkarna

NEW DELHI: The Capital's very own annual mega trade bonanza, India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2005 that celebrated its silver jubilee this year, concluded on Sunday evening.

Despite many new initiatives launched this year, the fair recorded about 30-lakh visitors, a shade less than last year when the figures crossed the 30-lakh mark. The free entry scheme introduced this year for senior citizens and differently-abled people was utilised by around 6,000 people.

"The fair as in previous years was positioned as an annual event in the calendar of world fairs and provided India an opportunity to showcase to the world quality products and technological development. In view of the recent bomb blasts, security was top priority this year and we are happy with the traffic and security arrangement made,'' said senior general manager, India Trade Promotion Organisation, Safdar. H. Khan.

According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police for the IITF, Rajiv Ranjan, just eight cases under the Indian Penal Code were registered during the fair this year, compared to 13 cases last year. Also, compared to five cases of pick pocketing last year, two were reported this year. Compared to seven cases of theft last year, only two were reported this time round. This apart, one cheating case and one of simple accident were reported to the police during the fair.

As part of the security arrangement, 600 policemen and women were deployed at Pragati Maidan. Special attention was given to control access and metal detectors and X-ray scanners were deployed at all the entry gates. The Bomb Disposal Squad, mine sweepers and technical teams from the Army and the Intelligence Bureau combed the entire premises twice a day.

"Eighty four closed circuit television cameras were installed across Pragati Maidan covering all the entry points and exhibition halls," said Mr. Ranjan adding that 11 Quick Reaction Teams of commandos had been posted at strategic locations in and around the premises to counter any unforeseen situation. About 125 wireless sets on single frequency were provided for smooth communication between police personnel.

The Crime Against Women Cell had provided 55 women volunteers trained in the art of self-defence, who were deployed to check eve teasing and thefts. The police also installed 100 television screens displaying important messages for visitors, and information on lost and found objects and persons.