With eye on I-Day, security cover upped at airports

Besides beefing up security at domestic and international airports, mandatory screening of baggage and ban on visitors, among others, are some of the security measures implemented to avert untoward incidents

In a bid to safeguard airports during and after the Independence Day celebrations, authorities have beefed up security at the domestic and international airports alike.

Around 200 additional Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel have been pressed into action to safeguard the airports. File pic for representation

It has been learnt that visitors’ entry has been banned till August 20 at both the airports. In addition, physical checking of baggage at screening points has been made mandatory till the month-end. Usually, these checks are done randomly. Also, deployment of armed security personnel at both the terminals has been upped.

Around 200 additional Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel have been pressed into action to safeguard the airports. Airport officials said fliers have been advised to check-in two hours prior to the take off to avoid unwanted delays due to scrutinisation.

“Number of armed security personnel at the boarding gates has been increased to ensure that passengers aren’t carrying objectionable materials. They (security personnel) have been assigned the job of screening each passenger minutely. Besides, passengers will also be subjected to surprise checks,” said an airport official.

Apart from CISF, National Security Guard (NSG), Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and local police personnel are on alert. “The number of staffers deployed for naka bandi has been upped,” said Suresh Vedak, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Airport Division.

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