The Central Industrial Security Force has deployed its troops to not only secure the entry and exit routes of the facility but also has put in a vehicle-borne quick reaction team to respond to any terror-like threat swiftly.
This is the first time that the venue, guarded till now by private guards of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), has got an specialised armed security cover.
Pragati Maidan hosts a number of national and international fairs and exhibitions like trade fair, book fair, auto expo, security expo, defence expo and numerous such events in various sectors.
A proposal to bring the complex under a special security cover of a trained paramilitary force like CISF was mooted in by the ITPO last year after which the Union Home Ministry gave its final nod.
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The CISF has been tasked with securing the activities of the 124-acre campus on a 24X7 basis, which offers about 61,290 sq metres of covered exhibition space in 16 halls, besides 10,000 sq metres of open display 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 security of exhibitors, buyers and visitors is of paramount importance for us and we require a disciplined mechanism to secure the premises from threat of any kind," Menon had said.
Sources said a terror vulnerability profile of the facility had been carried out by experts and paramilitary officials earlier after which the CISF was tasked for the job.
The ITPO has also earmarked designated spots for placing security gadgets of the CISF like X-ray baggage scanners, metal detectors and barracks for paramilitary personnel.