Security of CoP-11 delegates, a challenge to State Govt

With Intelligence inputs suggesting possible terrorist attacks on the ongoing Conference of Parties (CoP-11) convention in the historic city of Hyderabad, the State police are making special security arrangements for the delegates.

The CoP meet that got off to a colourful start on October 1 will continue till 19 of this moth. Delegates from at least 183 countries are expected to take part in the global event that is drawing dignitories from across the country, including Union ministers and the Governor and the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, the host State.

Considering it as a prestigious event, the State Government is taking every possible measure for the smooth conduct of the meeting. The Centre has already cautioned the State Government that any amount of disturbance, however small it may be, would certainly, mar the prestige of the country, the State and the historic city of Hyderabad as well, in the eyes of the global economic market.

Thus, strict instructions have been given to the police to ensure not only the smooth conduct of the convention but also the safety of the delegates. Security has been beefed up at the hotels the delegates are camping, the air conditioned buses that transport them to the venue and back. At least 20 bomb squads have been deployed in vulnerable areas while additional forces are being requisitioned to the city for patrol.

Besides, the delegates have been warned against moving outside alone. Hyderabad being a historic city and many foreigners are interested to witness the umpteen monuments spread at different corners that speak volumes about the culture and heritage of the city as well as the State, those who are on their maiden visit are eager to have a glimpse of them. But the police have strictly cautioned them against going to such places alone. “Either you as a team or hire government transport,” the delegates were informed.

This apart, close circuit cameras have been installed at every corner of the star hotels where the delegates have checked in. Every moment of the visitors going inside and coming out of these hotels, is monitored round-the-clock. The antecedents of the drivers of the buses who commute the delegates to the venue and back are thoroughly checked.

“No doubt, taking such huge safety measures will ensure our protection, but sometimes they are causing some inconvenience to us,” said a delegate, who landed in Hyderabad just a couple of days ago.

However, the citizens of Hyderabad have a cause to rejoice. At least at 16 places new traffic signals have been installed while those who have gone awry were repaired, thanks to the bio-diversity meet. But it remains to be seen whether they will continue to glow after the event.
- Prasad@sakshipost