PANJIM, NOV 18
A strong force of 700 policemen and two platoons of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will keep a close watch on the activities in and around International Film festival of India (IFFI) 2010, beginning from November 22.
The IFFI organisers today held extensive security review meeting in the city which discussed security plans at prime IFFI locations including Macquinez Palace, Inox courtyard, Kala Academy and Shopping and Food Festival streets.
Superintendent of (North Goa) Police Arvind Gawas told Herald that 500-odd Goa police personnel and two platoons of CISF will guard the festival. “The security will be round the clock. This is apart from 200 more policemen who will be on guard in plain clothes in and around the IFFI venue,” the officer said.
The CISF jawans arrived Goa on Thursday night.
Today’s meeting was chaired by Entertainment Society Goa (ESG) Chief Executive Officer Manoj Shrivastava in the presence of Senior Superintendent of Police V V Chaudhary, SP Gawas, Security SP Tony Fernandes, sub-divisional police officers and respective police inspectors.
Gawas informed that the festival venues will be under CCTV surveillance to capture each and every moment of the happening. Besides, six watch towers have been installed which will be controlled by constables. Three quick reaction teams will also be stationed at strategic locations. At the same time, regular patrolling will also be carried out throughout.
Security sources mentioned that door frame metal detectors, hand frame metal detectors and other security gadgets will be placed to screen every visitor. The officials surveyed IFFI venues before chalking out plans today evening.
Parking arrangements have also been tightened as few vehicles with car passes will be permitted for parking at prime locations. “VIP and VVIP vehicles will get space for parking in the Inox courtyard and invitees vehicles are given a slot at Bandodkar ground,” he said.
Nearly 150 traffic personnel will be deployed to regulate traffic and request for more police personnel has been put forth before the SP’s headquarters.
“The basic idea of the review meting was to ensure a safe and secured event. Besides security, we are also taking care that there is no inconvenience caused to anybody within the State,” Shrivastava told Herald.
