Full-proof security to be put in place for CWG: Selja

A Full-proof security system is to be put in place to deal with any emergencies during the CWG,Union Tourism Minister Selja said in Chandigarh.

With a huge foreign and domestic tourist influx expected during the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Delhi,a full-proof security system is to be put in place to deal with any emergencies during the mega event,Union Tourism Minister Selja said in Chandigarh on Monday.

We will make security arrangements as per the prevailing world standards and there is no need to worry about that, she said replying to queries from reporters if there was any threat perception regarding the Commonwealth Games.

It is not just India,but so many other countries are under the threat of terrorism. However,we do not think that any threat could be a hindrance in the arrival of tourists in Delhi for the games, she said,adding that the country is well-equipped to tackle any kind of emergency situation.

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Asked about preparations for the upcoming games,she said as far as her Ministry was concerned it was confident about putting up a great show.

We are training our man-power to deal efficiently with the tourists. We are training taxi-drivers,auto-rickshaw drivers,service providers and also the workers of some restaurants and hotels in soft skills. We are teaching them frequently used English words and how to conduct themselves with courtesy and how they can improve upon their general behaviour, she said.

Volunteers to assist the tourists during the games are also being raised and arrangements to accomodate the large tourist traffic expected during the period are complete,the Congress MP from Ambala said.

While towns of Haryana,Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan neighbouring Delhi could take advantage of the great tourist influx to the national capital,places like Chandigarh,about 250 km away,could also benefit from the occasion by offering attractive packages during that period,she said.

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Meanwhile,accusing the Punjab government of having responded coldly to the UPAs flagship Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission,Selja,who is also Urban Housing and Poverty Alleviation Minister at the Centre said it has been unable to take full advantage of the programme.

Against the 7-year allocation of central assistance of Rs 617.02 crore,Punjab is yet to avail Rs 547.10 crore, she said and described it as one of the laggard states besides Bihar and Rajasthan,which had failed to take benefit of the scheme.