By IANS,
Chandigarh : Bullet-proof security pickets and vehicles, telescopic monitoring, CCTV cameras and automatic weapons may not be anyone’s idea of a popular traditional Indian fair but that is what visitors to this year’s edition of the Surajkund Crafts Mela (fair) will witness.
The fair gets underway at Surajkund village in Haryana’s Faridabad district, 10 km from south Delhi, Feb 1.
Taking lessons from the recent Mumbai terror attack, Haryana police officials said here Thursday that the entire fair area would be kept under constant surveillance with 80 CCTV cameras, eight bulletproof pickets and eight security towers equipped with telescope and hi-tech weapons.
Police officials in civil dress, dog squads, commandos, bulletproof vehicles would also be there to provide security to the visitors. Over 1,100 police officials, including 100 women police officials, will be on duty during the fair.
This is the 23rd edition of the popular fair that showcases the best of traditional Indian craftsmen and their wares.
This year, the fair has been accorded the status of an international event with countries like Egypt, Thailand and all eight SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) member-countries participating.
The theme state from India this year will be Madhya Pradesh. The fair will be inaugurated by President Pratibha Patil Feb 1. It will be on till Feb 15.