Security preparations have been stepped up ahead of Diwali this year, the first after the Mumbai terror attacks in November last year. CCTV cameras, bomb disposal squads and quick response teams are being used across the board to enhance security.

Basant Lok market has as many as 38 CCTV cameras monitoring the movement of shoppers and visitors — the highest number for any market in the city. A bomb disposal squad has been stationed along with a quick response team to deal with any untoward event, a senior police official in the area confirmed.

CCTV cameras have been put in place at M Block market in GK-I as well. The market association has employed additional guards.

“We have briefed shopkeepers and the market staff on potential security threats and have asked them to be vigilant,” Rajendra Sharda, president of the market association, says. Entry and exit points have been reduced to two each and vehicles are being checked at the entry points.

The Diwali Bazaar at the Blind Relief Association has also upped the security ante. “We have installed 21 CCTV cameras in our premises and our security personnel are constantly monitoring movement,” S K Mishra, trustee and treasurer, The Blind Relief Association, says. “We have employed 150 uniformed and plainclothes security guards.” At the Mela, tent cloth treated with fire retardant material, which costs Rs 2 lakh, has been used. There are 20 emergency exits and six private firemen.

Connaught Place, which attracts the largest number of shoppers from all parts of the city, is surprisingly not under CCTV surveillance yet. “The wiring has been completed and the whole area will be under surveillance before the Commonwealth Games,” says Atul Bhargava of the New Delhi Traders’ Association. “Most of the big outlets are under CCTV surveillance anyway.”

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