High security arrangements for 3 million people visiting IITF-2006

New Delhi, Nov 12 (UNI) As the terror threat looms large, elaborate surveillance and security arrangements are put in place at the sprawling Pragati Maidan, the venue of Asia's largest India and International Trade Fair- 2006 (IITF-2006), which is expected to witness around 3 million visitors from all parts of the country during the fortnight-long show beginning here from November 14.

With the extension of Delhi Metro rail line into Pragati Maidan this year, more visitors are expected to throng the fair from all corners of the capital where a wide range of products and services will be on display from diverse sectors of the economy.

The 26th edition of the IITF-2006, organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), will be inaugurated by Union External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee while Union Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath will preside over the function.

Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Dr (Ms) J Geeta Reddy, Minister of State for Major Industries, Commerce and Export Promotion, Tourism and Sugar, Andhra Pradesh will be the guests of honour.

Around 7,500 companies from India and overseas are participating in the mega fair which has China as Partner Country with 200 companies and Thailand with 100 companies as ''Focus country while in the national sector, Andhra Pradesh is the partner state and Madhya Pradesh will feature as the focus state in the fair, Chairman and Managing Director, ITPO, N N Khanna said.

The twin themes of this year's fair are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Tourism as these two sectors are the immense employment generators.

This multi-product show will highlight amazing strides of achievements in different halls in the form of special displays of Buildtech, SARAS and the ubiquitous Good Living sector. Techmart will showcase the wide range products of services and small and medium industries, he added.

The overseas participation covers more than 400 companies from 34 countries which include Afghanistan, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, China, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, the US and Vietnam.

About 200 delegates from over 30 business delegation from abroad are expected to visit the fair.

Besides trade and commerce, this fair also depicts the diverse cultures, traditions, cuisines and handicrafts of the different regions of the country.

With the safety point of view, 32 close ciruit televisions (CCTVs), 50 doorframe metal detectors and 20 observation towers have been set up for surveillance and security purposes. X-Ray machines have also been installed for checking of the baggage at all the gates, Mr Khanna said.

Appropriate measures have been taken for security, safety and traffic control with the involvement of Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services and other agencies including Armed Forces.

To discourage congestion by vehicles around the fair grounds, the parking charges have been increased so that people should park their vehicles at other designated parking lots which have been provided with free Park and Ride facility.

Tickets will be available at all the Metro Stations, Mother Dairy booths and designated branches of the Central Bank of India which will be Rs 5 less than the usual rates. Special DTC buses will be available from Noida, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Meerut and Sonipat to reach the spot.

Additional parking space has been created this year for IITF- 2006 with a total facility for parking of over 10,000 vehicles. School children accompanied by teachers and as a special gesture, senior citizens and physically challenged persons are also being given privilege of free entry during general visiting hours on working weekdays.

UNI BBS DKS HT1325