Kochi: After the hiccup in the first match of Under-17 World Cup when spectators protested over lack of basic facilities, the local organising committee has assured that free drinking water will be distributed to viewers besides ensuring availability of food items at reasonable prices from next match onwards. “Drinking water will be made available at 40 spots inside the match venue and a team of 40 volunteers, five supervisors and 40 police men will be deployed to coordinate its supply,” said CN Mohanan, chairman, Greater Cochin Development Authority.
The decision was made at a review meet held by the organising committee here on Sunday. Though it was promised to make drinking water available inside the stadium, no such arrangements were made in the Brazil-Spain match. The angry spectators entered into a heated argument with the organsiers and even tried to vandalise a beverage stall and bathroom pipes. The local organising committee has also requested FIFA to install signage at various points inside the stadium to assist the spectators.
Further, a team of about 100 mechanics and about 100 supervisors has been deployed to monitor and coordinate the emergency services, toilets and floodlights etc. Meanwhile, the Legal Meteorology department will ensure the sale of food at reasonable prices.
