Demand for more security at Vellore

Chennai: At a time when airports are increasingly facing terror threats, the ones at Salem and Vellore, non-operational but with usable air strips, are reportedly unguarded.
Soon after the Mumbai terror strikes on November 26, 2008, the Civil Aviation ministry alerted all airports about the possible misuse of unguarded or non-operational airstrips by terrorists. These two airports, despite these alerts, are yet to have a proper security mechanism in place. The airports have just two guards to protect the machinery and other assets, say Airports Authority of India (AAI) sources.
The Madras Flying Club uses the Vellore airport to impart flying lessons to students while the Salem airport receives a couple of non-scheduled aircraft like helicopters or two-seater or four-seater plabes in a month.
"The local police provide security when dignitaries like Governors or senior politicians use the airport at Salem. The personnel are withdrawn when the helicopter or small aircraft leaves. The police are also not able to provide more personnel at these airports," an AAI official said.
As the AAI does not enough personnel to guard these airports, it has written to the Directorate-General of Resettlement (DGR), a body under the defence ministry meant to supply personnel. The DGR, however, is yet to post personnel.
"Salem and Vellore need 10 personnel each for security duty. The Vellore airport does not have a proper compound wall even though flying club parks their aircraft here. A fence is installed around the airport campus."
Newly-installed facilities at the Salem airport also face the risk of being stolen.
10/04/09 Times of India

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Categories: Airports Apr 2009, Safety Apr 2009