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Civic body believes that compared to sand bags, these bunkers, costing Rs 8 lakh each, will enable guards to combat efficiently in case of a terror attack

alert: An armed guard keeps a watch on the BMC building from behind a sand bag

The BMC does not want to compromise on security arrangements after the horrifying 26/11 terror attacks. Apart from installing CCTV cameras, the civic body is set to buy bulletproof bunkers for its headquarters at CST and civic hospitals, soon.

"Bulletproof bunkers will help us in case of a terror attack. Such bunkers will also be put up at major civic hospitals," said an official from the BMC's security department. At present, the BMC has installed bunkers made of sand bags at major entry points with security guards manning them.

"Our security guards are vulnerable with sand bunkers in case of a terror attack. Bulletproof bunkers will help them tackle the situation efficiently," added the official. The bunkers will have a small hole from where guards can shoot at terrorists.

"We are yet to finalise when to float the tender, but we're sure that the bulletproof bunkers will give us an edge during terror attacks," said Additional Municipal Commissioner Madhav Sangale. Each bulletproof bunker may approximately cost around Rs 8 lakh.

The BMC also plans to purchase trolley-mounted mirrors. "We will buy advanced metal detectors and  trolley-mounted mirrors to keep a tab on vehicles," added Sangale. At present, the BMC prohibits visitors from parking vehicles near the headquarters.

Serious about safety
It is mandatory for officials, corporators and media people to carry ID cards at the BMC headquarters
Each corporator can only take two workers with him
Heightened security for all lakes and dams in the city
Roads leading to the dams will have security cover
There are 3,400 guards across civic hospitals and other institutions. Four hundred more to be employed