New Delhi:
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi and its adjoining areas have been turned into a security fortress ahead of the World Cup Hockey tournament with deployment of thousands of armed policemen.
Around 19,000 police personnel, including 200 sharpshooters from the National Security Guards, have been deployed for security for the event.
The World Cup Hockey is being considered as a "dress rehearsal" for Delhi Police ahead of the Commonwealth Games in putting in place a security apparatus and planning traffic for the mega event.
Over 100 CCTVs will be installed in and around Dhyan Chand stadium during the World Cup to keep track on the movement of spectators, an official said.
While 75 CCTVs will be fixed cameras, 30 will be Pan-Tilt-Zoom cameras with night vision and recording facility.
The participating countries were "impressed" with the security arrangements made for the event with Pakistan showering praises saying "very good planning" has been done.
Taking no chance, the city police have chalked out an elaborate traffic plan for the hockey event, which will be held from February 28 to March 13 at the stadium located near the war memorial India Gate.
All ticket holders have to park their vehicles near Rajpath and take a shuttle service to the stadium.
There is no parking for spectators' at National Stadium. Parking is also available at Bhairon Mandir parking and the Zoo.
Motorists have been asked to avoid the India Gate in the evening.
Besides India and Pakistan, hockey majors like Germany, Britain and Australia are among the 12 teams fighting for the championship title.