Police will be paid Rs 40 lakh for the four matches to be played in Mumbai
Given the high security threat to Indian Premier League, police personnel providing security will be paid approximately Rs 40 lakh for the four matches to be played in Mumbai between March 12 and April 25.
The IPL opens at the D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai tomorrow.
A dream come true
For Vijay Patil, president of D Y Patil Sports Academy, sports was always an integral part of life like many others in India. "I attended a school that did not have its own cricket ground, and I used facilities reserved for those who were privileged enough to go to a school having its own ground," said Patil.
Patil recalled how even local cricket clubs were a tad reluctant to hold matches at the stadium four years ago. "After the first edition of IPL was held here two years ago thanks to Sharad Pawar's cooperation, we have international cricketers playing here."
Senior police officials supervising security arrangements say the amount will surely be over Rs 10 lakh per match.
In November 2009, the Navi Mumbai police had been paid nearly Rs 7 lakh for security arrangement for the one-day match between India and Australia that was washed out due to rain.
"We charge as per the government rule, but the security arrangement for the forthcoming cricket tournament will be exorbitant," said a senior home department official.
3-tier security
Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Gulabrao Pol said, "We have put in place a three-fold security arrangement -- the inner, middle and outer layer security covers which will be manned by the police. Private security personnel will be roped in to handle the crowds."
Pol added that adequate traffic arrangement has been made, including provision to park vehicles.
While no parking will be allowed around the entry and exit points of the stadium, vehicles will be kept off the service road connecting to the stadium from tomorrow morning.
"Passes and identity cards have to be displayed by all concerned staff working at the stadium, including plainclothes policemen," Pol said.
An anti-sabotage drive will be conducted in and around the stadium to check for explosives.
Similar drills will continue before all the matches to be played at the stadium.
"Policemen in plain clothes and armed guards will be stationed on certain high-rise buildings around the stadium," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (zone 1) Ashok Dudhe.
Dudhe confirmed having received threat alerts from different agencies but refused to elaborate. "We have taken all aspects into consideration while drawing up the security plan."
