Match tomorrow,PCA Stadium put under tight security

The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium in Mohali has been put under tight security for the first of the three matches of the ICC Cricket World Cup-2011,to be played between South Africa and Netherlands here on Thursday.

Notwithstanding the fact that PCA owes almost Rs 8 crore as security charges for the matches played here since 1995,the Punjab Police has once again deployed as many as 1,348 personnel under three-tier security arrangements inside and outside the stadium to guard the cricketers and the stadium with a seating capacity of 35,000. Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar told Newsline that the security arrangements would remain same for the March 11 match between West Indies and Ireland,but almost 300 officers will be added to the strength for the second semi-final to be played here on March 30. To keep the entire activities in and outside the stadium under scanner,a total of 70 close-circuit television cameras have been positioned at strategic locations.

To avoid last-minute hassles to the spectators usually witnessed due to late entry,the SSP said,the gates of the stadium would be opened two hours prior to the match and spectators would be allowed early entry with a quick screening. “A total of nine parking lots and free access from all sides to the spectators are the other initiatives taken to avoid chaos. Besides,those living in over 300 houses in the vicinity of the stadium have been exempted from traffic diversions,” said Bhullar.

The stretch in front of the stadium and the road from Chandigarh will be closed for vehicular traffic one hour prior to the start of the match at 9.30 am. On the outstanding security fee,Bhullar said: “It is between the government and the PCA. Our job is to provide security and raise bills and we are doing that.”