The army, navy and airforce have got into action -- not in preparation for war, but to beef up the security around their respective depots against terrorist attacks. Public sector undertakings, particularly the oil companies, have been put on red alert to improve and upgrade the security around their structures.
Not directly connected to the protection of the nation, but to the security of the depots of the army, navy and airforce is putting in place extra vigilance measures. Reportedly these defence force follow a manual system of restricting access at various check posts. They are now in the process of upgrading their surveillance and access control system across the country in terms of biometric and smart cards swiping measures as well as close circuit TV.
The Rs 140-crore industry which has experienced 25 per cent annual growth rates has seen a massive spurt in demand by Corporate India. Leading players in electronic surveillance systems -- Eurovigil of Eureka Forbes, Zicom, Tata Honeywell and Datamatics -- have received numerous proposals from public sector undertakings as they wake up to the security threat and the need for enhancing the safety and protection.
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Following directives issued by the centre following the possibility of terrorist attacks, public sector oil companies have put up enquiries for electronic security systems. Said a senior official of a company supplying electronic security systems that Hindustan Petroleum Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation are beefing up the security at their premises in terms of perimeter and access control systems. "Public sector companies with large infrastructure have budgeted an investment of Rs 5 to 10 crore depending upon the size of undertaking," he added.
Oil companies have beefed up the surveillance at their refineries considering the threat. An executive with an oil company said, "we have stepped up security around our refineries. In fact, we have had electronic surveillance at the refinery in place a few years back."
However, the same could not be said about retail outlets which are easy targets for terrorist attack. Ramesh Kundamal , convenor (legal affairs) of Federation of All Maharashtra Petroleum Dealers Association (Fampeda) said: "We do not have adequate funds to step up security. We have asked the state government to intervene on Fampeda's demand to process a transaction fee that would make it possible for them to meet revenue expenditure to do business in the state which will also include arrangement of security at retail outlets". There are about 1,700 dealers under Fampeda.
While confirming the increased security around ports in Mumbai, an official with MBPT said, "we have beefed up security at the port". However, he refused to disclose details.
"Many establishments have failed to keep up with the changing technology. While government undertakings are open to discussions, they need to speed up the action," said a senior official with Zicom Electronics.
Post-terrorist attacks on the US on September 11, the Indian government had informed key establishments to improve their existing security and vigilance systems in their respective premises. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and some of the international airports in the country had put out tenders.