The Delhi government has identified the H1N1 influenza as the gravest threat to the city during the Commonwealth Games in October next year.

While the Health ministry and disaster management authorities continue to monitor the behaviour of the H1N1 virus, officials claim that with the World Health Organization (WHO) already declaring the H1N1 flu a pandemic, the government will continue to adhere to the quarantining guidelines followed in the country and across the world.

“As in the case of diseases like yellow fever, we can only ask passengers and participating athletes to not travel if they have the flu. In case they contract it in the city during the Games or while travelling, as per law they will be asked to step back, quarantined and treated for the illness,” said an official in the Delhi government, adding that the government is already circulating literature and basic guidelines to officials and volunteers who would be part of organising the event.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has been asked to form a team from its National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for handling man-made disasters during the Games.

The force presently comprises eight battalions, two each from the BSF, CRPF, CISF and ITBP, which are spread in areas like Orissa, Pune, Chandigarh, Patna and Guwahati. The Delhi NDRF is stationed at Greater Noida. Apart from managing natural disaster, the force is trained in managing nuclear, biological and chemical disasters with a specialised team of dog squads, technicians, rescue teams and paramedics.

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