Prasun giving prime imp to security-comfort

Kolkata, Feb 6 (UNI) With the India-Sri Lanka series opener expected to draw a full house, CAB President Prasun Mukherjee is giving prime importance to spectators' comfort and security.

''Not much can be done for this match as far as seating arrangements are concerned. The blocks that have bucket seats, they are all right. But the concrete galleries have seats which are only 14 inches wide. The CAB has had long term plans for renovations, and that will be done. But for this match, we have inspected and repaired seats to make them fit to be used,'' he said.

He added that adequate water supply has been ensured and all the toilets have been cleaned. However, nothing ''throwable'' will be allowed to be carried inside the stadium.

''Food and water will be available inside the stadium, but spectators will not be allowed to carry water pouches to the stands, specially during the second session,'' he said.

''It is usually then the tension mounts and people feel like throwing things,'' he quipped.

''Two lakh water pouches are being procured from a company in Orissa,'' he added.

Security will, obviously, be taken care of as usual, he said.

''There will be enough presence of police and security personnel to ensure that the game progressed unhindered. The DC Central and host of other IPS officers will be taking responsibilities as divided among them. In the evening he held meetings with his officers and CAB officials and drafted out the duties.

''We dont want any slip-ups. Everything has been sorted out and responsibilities delegated to the individuals. All of us will make this even a great success,'' he said.

He added that the Board of Control for Cricket in India president, Mr Sharad Pawar, had said he wanted to attend the match, but there had been no confirmation as yet. Asked whether he had invited former CAB president, Mr Jagmohan Dalmiya, he replied in the affirmative.

''Of course he has been invited,'' he said.

It has been learnt that Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi will be the chief guest and Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee will be at the venue for a short while.

UNI