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Stamping out the possibility of a rampage at Auto Expo

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  • Almost 1.5 million people are expected to visit the Auto Expo this year, and for each one of them the Tata Nano has become the fair’s focal point. Controlling such frenzy is by no means an easy task, but the fair’s organisers have for the first time pressed into service special squads that are experts in preventing stampedes.

    Along with the usual police personnel, there are 30 seven-member teams made up of crowd management experts. The teams have been provided by Group 4 Security Systems, who are also in charge of the overall security at the venue. The teams have been dispersed at all the stalls that are attracting huge crowds, in particular the Tata stall.

    “These teams are controlling the inlet and outflow of people. They also maintain gaps between people so that the chance of a stampede is minimised,” said a Society for Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) official. “The hall directors and secretariat have also been specially trained in crowd management.”

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    Besides this, around 1,000 private security guards have also been hired. Further, for the first time, Asia’s largest closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) have been installed at 46 places at the venue.

    While the Nano is rumoured to have received Z-level security before its launch, security for the Expo itself has been tightened to avert any possibility of a terrorist attack. Some of these measures include bar coded cards for press persons and special invites so that no duplicate cards can be issued. CCTVs at the venue have also been increased and baggage is manually checked at all entry points.

    “Delhi is high on the list of sensitive areas for a terrorist attack. At such a gala event the chances are even higher. Hence, we decided not to compromise with security aspects this time around and even if it causes a little inconvenience while manually checking all hand baggage, it was deemed important to do so,” the official said. Besides this, two cameras have been put at each of the hangars.

    The list of firsts does not end here. SIAM, ACMA and CII are using this Expo to highlight issues like road safety and safe driving techniques as well. Over the last four days, 250 truck drivers and 150 three-wheeler drivers have been given road safety training.

    With a record number of visitors having already visited the Expo and Sunday — despite being the busiest day — passing off without an untoward incident, one can only say that the stampede managers have done their work well.

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