Schools in Delhi will be closed during the Commonwealth Games, but they will still be an integral part of the Security plan for the city during the period. Highly placed sources said the SWAT teams and commandos of the National Security Guard (NSG) and other agencies will be flown into the school grounds closest to the 13 venues in choppers in the eventuality of a terrorist attack or hostage situation.
"If there is a terrorist intrusion or any other hostage situation, the commandos will be airlifted to the grounds of government and private schools close to the venues. From there, the commandos will walk to the spot so that the terrorists do not see the helicopters," said an officer. He said the schools have been chosen for landing helicopters as they have big playgrounds and premises covered by buildings on all sides, providing the secrecy needed for such operations.
In fact, the Delhi Police has identified schools near the 13 Games venues and Games Village where helicopters can land and has recorded their coordinates. For example, Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, will be used in case of an operation near the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium where the opening and closing ceremonies will held, said the source.
"Similarly, there is a government school in Shakarpur near the Games Village and one at Kotla village near the Indira Gandhi International Stadium," the source added.
The Delhi Police has close to 60 SWAT commandos while the NSG and Border Security Force (BSF) are also expected to deploy similar numbers. Helicopters of the BSF, Indian Air Force and NSG would be on standby during the Games, added the source.
with thanks : IndianExpress : Link in headline above for detailed news.