Cops to have an eye in the sky to watch the games

Balloon-mounted cameras will join heli-borne units and Air Force jets for aerial surveillance during the mega sporting event

Cops to have an eye in the sky to watch the games

Balloon-mounted cameras will join heli-borne units and Air Force jets for aerial surveillance during the mega sporting event

The mammoth security plan for the Commonwealth Games 2010 just got bigger.

Apart from the thousands of personnel and most sophisticated gadgets, the Delhi Police is planning to keep an eye in the sky over the games.
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Israeli security forces use these tiny devices to keep a strict watch over insurgent attacks in Gaza and the Beijing Olympics were also held under the watchful eye of these balloon cameras.

The Delhi Police has sent a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs to purchase the cameras. It has been proposed that once the games are over, the devices will prove an asset to the overall security apparatus of the national capital.

Highly-placed sources in the Delhi Police confirmed that the letter sent to the ministry has asked for the procurement of a system similar to the one used in Beijing Olympics.

"The cameras will be positioned over the venues. In western countries, balloon cameras are very common and are used extensively during such events," a senior police official said, requesting anonymity.

First of its kind in India, the cameras will be placed at the most sensitive places like the Games Village at Akshardham and the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium apart from other areas.

Senior police officials said the balloon camera is preferred because of the wide area it covers. "It will also be much cheaper than using a helicopter and the remote-controlled camera perched on a balloon will be able to capture images from every corner of the venue. Even the cameras used in such aerial surveillance systems are not very costly," the official added.

However, JK Sharma, Joint Commissioner of Police (Commonwealth Games) said that he was "not aware" of any such proposal.

Having a Ball(oon)
>>Easy to deploy and operate
>>Flexible mission capabilities
>>Lowest risk of civilian harm and property damage
>>Very low maintenance expenses
>>Low operating expenses
>>Small training footprint
>>Quick deployment for unscheduled events

What's the plan?
>>Snipers on rooftops, commando hit teams and expert groups to tackle any chemical, biological, or nuclear attacks.
>>Surveillance from the skies with the help of the Air Force. There will also be the deployment of heli-borne assault teams to thwart any terror strikes.
>>Exclusive CCTV cameras monitored lanes on the roads for ferrying athletes and games officials.
>>Venues, village and hotels will be "locked down" a week before the start of the event after extensive anti-sabotage security checks.
>>Mobile Quick Reaction teams will be deployed on the outer perimeter of the venues.
>>All food prepared and served for Games guests in hotels will be sorted by security personnel and tasted by food experts.

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