For the first time, a squad of 125 specially trained CISF personnel will guard Pragati Maidan, the sprawling exhibitions facility in the heart of the city, in view of possible threats to the events held there.
The CISF and Delhi police will coordinate security duties at the venue even as the standard operating procedures are being finalised by the Union home ministry in this regard, sources said.
This is the first time the venue will get armed security cover. The squad should be in place by next month, they said. A proposal was moved in this regard by the India Trade Promotion Organisation.
The CISF will be tasked with securing the 124-acre campus, which offers about 61,290 sq metres of covered exhibition space in 16 halls, besides 10,000 sq metres of open area.
ITPO chief and CMD Rita Menon had earlier said security was needed in view of vulnerability of the venue to any probable trouble situation.
The ITPO has begun ear-marking designated spots for placing security gadgets like X-ray baggage scanners, metal detectors and barracks for paramilitary personnel.