New airport lags in security

Experts say Navi Mumbai airport can take tips from Israel

Security near CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra) is one of the main concerns raised by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (Government of India) with regard to the new airport.
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The letter dated November 22, 2010, issued by the environment ministry clearly mentions the subject of 26/11 with regard to security measures in and around the airport.

It reads: "Taking a cue from the manmade 26/11 incident arising out of external threat to our country, a strategic airport safety and security plan covering surrounding inhabited areas of the airport shall be prepared and put in place in consultation with government departments."

However, experts feel that the new airport should be designed with the necessary security measures in place.

MK Dhar, former joint director IB, said, "If there is an emergency, fighter and bomber aircrafts should be able to land easily, so that the Air Force can take full control."

Prakash Singh former DGP Border Security Forces, said, "Trained commandos should protect the airport.
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Mumbai police should also employ a special force to tackle any untoward situation and the National Security Guard (NSG) should be used as a back-up force.

Round the clock facilities should be available to airlift expert commandos in case of an emergency."

Israel to India
Israel*s Ben Gurion International airport is considered one of the world*s most secure airports, with a security force that includes police officers and soldiers from Israeli Defense Force (IDF).

Airport security guards operate, both in uniform and undercover, to detect possible threats.

The airport has been the target of several terrorist attacks, but no attempt to hijack a plane departing from Ben Gurion airport has succeeded.

Where India is lagging behind
All cars, taxis, buses and trucks undergo a preliminary security checkpoint before entering the airport compound. In India, most airports allow vehicles if they have a valid entry pass from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).u00a0At Ben Gurion, security personnel question departing passengers even before they arrive at the check-in desk.

Luggage and body searches may be conducted before passengers proceed to the check-in counters. In India, security check follows check in procedure.