Alarm bells ring over gaping holes in airport security at IGI airport (Indira Gandhi International)

NEW DELHI: In light of the several security threats aimed atIGI Airport,Delhi Police has revealed that it carried out a security audit of the airport cityside and submitted a report to both bureau of civil aviation security and airport managementDelhi International Airport (P) Ltd (DIAL). But several months after the audit, most of the problems highlighted in the report have not been addressed. 

Officials have raised concerns about the role ofDIAL in issuing airport entry passes. "DIAL is a private agency and while it is developing and running the airport, its role in security-related issues is highly questionable. Earlier, only BCAS or Delhi Police issued temporary passes and in case of an untoward incident responsibilities need to be fixed," said an official. 

On the issue of the multi-level car park, police have pointed out that all vehicles entering the building are not being manually checked and electronic equipment needs to be in place to ensure checking of all vehicles. "Advance scanning systems, along with monitors, should be installed at the car parking. Till such time that the equipment is in place, manual checking should be made stringent," said officials. 

Police have also highlighted the cargo terminal as an important grey area from the point of view of security. The letter said that arrival and departure of cargo must be scanned using mobile X-ray inspection system. 

To secure the tunnel road that runs under the main runway, police suggested that two small porta-cabins be set up at either end of the tunnel forCISF personnel. "The 400-m long tunnel already has CCTVs but because of the location of the main runway, it is important that the area is not just monitored but also secured. For this, it would be advisable for CISF guards to be stationed there," said an official. Police have also asked for a helpdesk at the waiting halls inside terminals, claiming that several thefts are reported in the media but very few are reported to it. 

Several proposals to enhance security coverage through CCTVs have also been submitted. Pointing out that positioning of CCTVs on the cityside is not conducive to monitoring vehicular movement in and around the airport, it has asked for coverage on all approach roads to the terminals. This is the one proposal where DIAL has taken action and is in the process of finalizing a proposal. Police also said that contrary to international standards, DIAL stores CCTV footage for only a week. The cops said it should be retained for at least a month to help solve cases.