CAG flags loopholes in airport security

Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 27

Even as airports in most parts of the country are facing a high level of threat perception, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has flagged several loopholes in the aviation security establishment.

The situation at two hyper-sensitive airports, two sensitive airports and one airport where only chartered flights and helicopters were operating, all under the jurisdiction of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), was scrutinised by the CAG. The report, tabled this week, did not identify the airports.

“The AAI has been slow in procuring and installing security equipment and technology as mandated by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) for enhancing the efficiency of security personnel in responding to security breaches and also provide a high level of protection to persons and property at the airport,” the CAG observed.

“Delays were noticed in assessment and procurement of major security equipment required for security check. Despite lapse of considerable time, some of the security equipment and technology is yet to be procured or installed at selected airports,” the report said.

Despite directions by the BCAS and as decided by the AAI, Perimeter Intrusion Detection System could not be installed at any of the airports selected for audit nor could bomb detection and disposal squads become fully operational. The AAI also could not install electro-hydraulic bollard system, tyre killer and road blocker at airports and neither could biometric access control system be made functional.

As far as deployment of CISF for airport security is concerned, shortage ranged from 2 per cent of the sanctioned strength to 51 per cent. The CAG also noticed non-availability of aviation security trained personnel, ranging from 60 per cent to 100 per cent and cases of un-qualified screeners deployed at airport were also noticed.