VISAKHAPATNAM:With Visakhapatnam gearing up to host the Indian Premier League in April this year, after a gap of three years, the city police are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that neither those attending the event nor the locals are put to discomfort.
The Vizag police have decided to study the arrangements made by their counterparts in Hyderabad and Cyberabad commissionerates for the smooth conduct of such large-scale events.
The YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium in the city had been a host for numerous cricket matches including the IPL matches, which were held in April 2012. Though the cricket matches are a big hit among the spectators, the local residents had faced several troubles due to the arrangements, particularly traffic. Even the residents of PM Palem, where the ACA-VDCA Stadium is located, complained about the security arrangements that caused them discomfort during the earlier matches.
As the Hyderabad and Cyberabad police are experienced in handling such big scale events, Vizag police commissioner Amit Garg is learnt to have suggested his men to visit the state capital and study the arrangements made for effective management of security. A team, led by an officer of sub-inspector of police rank, is being sent to Hyderabad for this purpose. The team has also been told to study the traffic management system in Hyderabad for implementing it in the Port City.
“We have limited personnel to handle even daily assignments. During the cricket matches, we are forced to request for additional forces from the neighbouring districts. As more cricket enthusiasts are expected for the event this time, which has the home team playing, the police commissioner wanted an effective system placed for smooth handling of the arrangements,” the police officials explained.
The IPL 2015 is the eighth edition of the cricket league and will have three matches to be played by Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals on April 16, Delhi Daredevils on April 18 and Kolkota Knight Riders on April 22, as part of league matches.