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Security measures used so far haven't helped. Vinod Kumar Menon speaks with tech guru Vijay Mukhi who'll soon discuss alternatives with experts and present a feasible plan to the people who matter
 Scanners
Currently, under car scanners are used by slipping in a mirror and checking for explosive devices. These cost upwards of Rs 1,000. But the success of scanners depend on the security guard and his diligence. Also, factors like poor lighting may cause the guard to miss the device.
Alternative: Malls, commercial buildings, hotels, etc, can use scanners, which require the car to pass over it. One such scanner costs Rs 5 lakh. Since such scanners are connected to a computer, a control room can detect bombs and contraband if any. This scanner is already being used at the police headquarters at Crawford Market.
Door Frame Metal Detector
A Door Frame Metal Detector is seen everywhere. But the problem is that it beeps every time a person passes by. Such DFMDs cost Rs 2 lakh.
Alternative: Similar devices, which are currently used at LA and Miami airports, conduct a full body scan and a naked image is shown on the computer screen. So, a person carrying a gun or a bomb can be easily found. Such X-ray machines costs Rs 25 lakh each.
CCTVs
The current CCTVs used at stations like CST aren't of good quality. The more expensive cameras allow not only better clarity of image and cover a wider area, but also allow image automation. The current camera prices vary from Rs 1,000 to over Rs 12 lakh.
Alternative: A high-tech camera attached to specially designed software can be used at the gates of important buildings. Such devices can pick up the number plate of a car and check against a database. The gate will open only if the number is stored in the database. Such software would cost over Rs 3 lakh.
Other devices
Smart cards
A smart card is used by only bigger companies these days. What's required is that all government and police offices should give their employees a smart card, which by punching in at an electronically locked door gets them entry. These smart cards are wireless enabled. Putting up such a system would cost Rs 5 lakh. Companies like Reliance, Kotak Mahindra and MiD DAY have smart card-accessed entry.
Motion detectors
These are used by almost all American households. The moment there is some motion in a room, the motion detector will turn the camera on. This device would save unwanted video recording and hence the cost of storage. Each costs between Rs 2,000 to Rs 50,000 depending on the distance and coverage area.
Bag frisking
This is most done by bored security personnel who don't seem to be worried about security at all.
Alternative: A bag scanner device or a wavelet scanner which is equivalent to X-ray machines and currently used at Chicago and LA airports cost around Rs 25 lakh. These are semi-portable devices. | 
