Police will give special attention to women athletes’ safety: DGP
PNS | DEHRADUN
Over 10,000 police personnel will be deployed across venues and accommodations in the 38th National Games scheduled to commence in Uttarakhand on January 28. The event will take place across 19 venues in nine districts during which the police will maintain a constant presence with the athletes to ensure their safety at all times. Security at accommodations, transit routes, practice sessions and competition venues will be strictly monitored. This was stated by director general of police Deepam Seth during a high-level meeting with district in-charges from Garhwal and Kumaon regions, senior police officials, event management agencies and other stakeholders to ensure flawless security arrangements for the event. Seth stated that the State will witness the participation of nearly 10,000 athletes competing in 44 sporting disciplines. He directed officials to ensure strict safety measures, emphasising the importance of protecting athletes throughout their stay. He stated that special attention will be given to women athletes, with police personnel stationed like shadows at accommodations, routes and competition venues. The senior officials also informed him that the police have set up CCTV surveillance across all key locations, including event venues and accommodations, with monitoring conducted from a central control room.
Traffic routes, parking areas and entry-exit points are being meticulously planned, with senior traffic officials personally overseeing the arrangements. To further enhance security, all staff members at athlete accommodations will undergo strict verification processes, as per the officials. They also informed that event management agencies are coordinating closely with the police to ensure smooth execution of plans. Officials are also rehearsing contingency and evacuation protocols to handle emergencies effectively.
Anti-sabotage and bomb disposal squads will remain on duty around the clock while intelligence teams will gather critical information to preempt any threats, they said. The DGP also informed that the police are not working alone in this massive undertaking. Departments like Fire Services, Power Supply, Water Supply and Public Works Department are also collaborating to ensure uninterrupted support during the games. Fire safety measures, including fire extinguishers and motorised fire engines, will be deployed at all venues. Airports, railway stations, bus terminals and other key transit points will also remain under heightened security.
The DGP urged all officers and agencies to communicate in real time to maintain seamless coordination. He emphasised that the National Games are not just a sporting event but an opportunity to showcase Uttarakhand’s capability and natural beauty to the nation and the world. Regular monitoring of ground-level preparations is underway to identify and address any shortcomings before the games begin. He said that with comprehensive planning and robust security arrangements, Uttarakhand is ready to host a safe, historic and memorable National Games, ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants while enhancing the State’s reputation on the national stage.
