KATHMANDU, Nov 29: South Asian Games’ (SAG) security committee on Thursday provided a detailed security plans for the upcoming 13th edition of mega sports event to be hosted by Kathmandu, Pokhara and Janakpur.

SAG committee led by Sarvendra Khanal is set to introduce an odd-even rule for vehicular movement, one-ways, escorting, special task forces, command posts, among others to prioritize the security during the Games, which will be held from December 1 to 10.

“It is a matter of national pride. Security will be of paramount importance. Things as simple as no blowing horns to designated parking and media management will be handled efficiently for smooth regulation of event,” said Khanal.

“Civil police will be on standby for any unforeseen circumstances. Strategies will be developed and different squads will be deployed to control the crowd.”

Security briefs
Players and vehicles carrying them will be escorted adeptly to make sure they reach the venues safe, sound and, most importantly, on time. Security will be using bikes in case of emergency. Flanks will be cleared for congestion free passages. Police will sterilize the area. CCTV surveillance and vigilance will be carried out for smooth operation. All security elements will be covered.

Command posts/center in different venues, operation centers to handle imminent strategies, special task forces, dog squad, bomb disposable squad for precautions, rescue and disaster management team, riot control and vehicle team, water cannon and fire fighters, medical team and ambulance, management for road clearance during the events, rapid communication system, metal detector, vehicle scanners, etc are some of the factors the police are set to implement for the full proof security promised by the police chief .

Traffic briefs
The committee has also decided to introduce an odd-even rule for vehicular movement in Kathmandu during the opening and closing ceremony day of SAG.

According to the rule, vehicles with odd number plates will be allowed to run in the valley streets on the inaugural day while vehicles with even number plates will ply the Kathmandu roads on the day of SAG conclusion on December 10.

Similarly, the Metropolitan Traffic Division (MTD) has also started its preparation plans for sound traffic management in the valley. It has restricted the movement of heavy vehicles along the ring-road.

The committee also unveiled various rules and programs for traffic management.

One way traffic will be allowed from Kalimati to Thapathali whereas vehicles will only be able to move from Shahid Gate to Tripureshwor during the events. Vehicles will not be allowed to move from Tripureshwor to Sundhara.

Likewise, urgent traffic diversions at various roads sections surrounding the Dasarath stadium will be implemented, if needed. 

Tickets
Member Secretary of National Sports Council (NSC) Ramesh Kumar Silwal briefed on the ticket details for the SAG events.

NSC is covering the tickets for basketball, volleyball and football. An amount of Rs 500 during the group stage and Rs 1000 during the knock-out stage has been fixed for football. Similarly, private events management company Nepalaya International is covering the tickets, Rs 500 for Nepal matches and Rs 200 for other matches. 

Nepalaya is set to introduce the picnic experience at the grass banks of TU Cricket Ground where spectators will be allowed to buy food and other stuffs whilst watching the matches.

Although Dasarath Staidum has 15,900 capacity, only 14000 tickets will be sold for management purposes, according to Silwal. 

He also informed that Pokhara’s football stadium capacity has been increased to 13,000 from 10,000.

“We are using electronic methods for ticketing. There will be a number on every ticket people buy for Dasarath Stadium. Any damage to the subsequent sit arrangement will be born by the buyer whereas punishments up to banning them for years will be discussed,” stated Silwal.

 
• SAG
 
• preparation
 
• security