Multi-layered security wrap at Eden Gardens

Kolkata, Nov 4 (IANS) Strategically located watch towers and sand bunkers, all pervasive CCTV cameras, deployment of over 5,000 security personnel — the Eden Gardens will be wrapped under multi-layered security for the India-West Indies Test match beginning Wednesday.

“This is a sensitive and important match so we have taken extra precautions and made elaborate multi-layered security arrangements at the stadium and adjacent areas as well as the team hotels,” city police commissioner S.K. Purkayastha said Monday.

The police chief during the day made an inspection of the Eden where batting legend Sachin Tendulkar will play his 199th Test match, and held a meeting with Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) officials.

With the police reportedly having demanded Rs.35 lakh for the security arrangements, the CAB has been in a quandary over the issue as the amount sought is seven times higher than usual.

“The amount depends upon the arrangements and deployment that we make. It is subject to further discussions,” said the police chief.

An official of the CAB – which paid Rs.5 lakh when it organised a Test match here last year – had dubbed the police demand “too exorbitant”.

Apart from deploying regular policemen and home guards for managing and frisking the crowd, plain-clothed cops will also be present in and around the stadium as well as the team hotels keeping a strict vigil.

“At least 125 CCTVs cameras capable of revolving 180 degrees will keep an eye on the proceedings in an around the stadium, while 15 sand bunkers and 9 watch towers will be placed at strategic locations,” said an officer.

With a host of dignitaries from across the world expected to grace the occasion, the VVIP boxes inside have been designated as “high protection zone”.

Bomb squads and mobile squads will be kept at standby in case of any emergency.