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Countries like Australia & the US have asked their citizens to avoid crowded markets in Delhi as these are susceptible to terror attacks. Their fears may not be entirely unfounded

A LOT NEEDS TO BE DONE

IT IS the market where the quick action of local traders and the market association, and effective public announcement system had come in for a lot of praise by the police brass after the 2008 Delhi serial blasts.

Rajender Sharda, market Traders’ Welfare Association president said: “ We had our systems in place. An announcement was made immediately after the first blast — that the public should move to the central park.

Within minutes, the second blast took place but by then the people were already out of the way, thanks to the swift action.” But that was in the past. The security situation is poor in the market as of now.

There are four barricaded entry points but no metal detectors or frisking of people. Cars can move freely inside and that can be a major breach of security. Even the association members acknowledge that.

The parking for vehicles is inside the congested main market and opposite the shops. This causes traffic jams and leaves attackers free to carry in anything.

And, despite the local traders’ enthusiasm and awareness, the market falls short on a major security parameter.

There are only four CCTV cameras to cover 225 shops — and on Thursday even they weren’t working. The Delhi Police reportedly plan to put up 27 cameras in the market. But they can’t be counted till they are actually installed.

GK- 1 M BLOCK MARKET

CCTV CAMERAS

Four for 225 shops, but they were not working on Thursday.Police plan to put up 27 more

METAL DETECTORS

None installed. No security personnel present to frisk visitors

ACCESS

Four barricaded entry points but people and vehicles enter freely and unchecked

PARKING

Parking space inside market, opposite shops. Causes snarls and breaches security