CISF for 30% more force to secure airport

After a security audit helped identify grey areas in airport security, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has asked for 30% increase in force strength at Delhi airport.

After a security audit helped identify grey areas in airport security, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has asked for 30% increase in force strength at Delhi airport. In its audit, CISF, responsible for airport security, has identified over two dozen shadow areas at Terminal 3.

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To secure these areas, the CISF top brass has decided to introduce new check-in areas and post policemen there. However, the force claims it is short-staffed.

“Currently, there are around 4,000 CISF personnel guarding the Delhi airport. But after the audit, we feel the number needs to be increased. We have recommended 30% (nearly 1,200 personnel) increase in force strength,” said a CISF officer who didn't want to be named.

The security audit has revealed 25 grey areas, which need to be covered by installing fixed cameras. These areas are at an important section of the airport, including immigration counters, food courts and the arrivals hall.

"The strength of the anti-hijacking unit, the anti-sabotage unit, the intelligence unit and Quick Reaction Teams needs to be increased. Passenger movement at Delhi airport keeps increasing and we need to be careful," the officer added.

To enhance security, CISF is planning to engage its dog squad. “Currently, we have 10 dogs. As per the audit, we require at least 16. We have asked for German Shepherds and Labradors,” the officer added.

The security audit was initiated after a Sri Lankan national with a forged passport was taken off an Air India flight to New York from New Delhi on July 30. For 17 hours, the passenger managed to evade any type of security check and boarded a flight to Hyderabad. He was finally arrested when he landed there.

Meanwhile, CISF is also planning to start concourse checking. This means passengers will be frisked at the entry gate itself. Concourse checking will begin after DIAL provided baggage X-ray scanners, which will be placed at airport entry gates.