Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) today said it has proposed to strengthen security around Bhakra dam by installing modern security equipment at strategic locations to thwart any attempt of causing damage to one of the country's tallest dams.
BBMB has decided to install high-grade steel short vertical posts called Bollards at the dam besides Under Vehicle Surveillance System (UVSS) and CCTV cameras.
"We have decided to install Bollards at Bhakra dam to check forceful entry of any heavy vehicles. We have already issued tenders in this regard and it is expected that they will be installed at the entry points within next 3-4 months," BBMB's Director (Security) Gursharan Singh Wason said here.
Bollards are high-grade steel short posts which can withstand the impact of heavy vehicles and provide security to any building or structure from any unwanted vehicle. Bollards are installed in such a way that they create high resistant barrier to vehicles.
In 2011, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) had warned that Bhakra dam was on the hit list of Pakistan-based militant outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Heavy security is already deployed around Bhakra dam with 1.5 km area of it falling in the restrictive zone.
As part of its steps to further strengthen electronic surveillance around Bhakra dam, BBMB has also plans to install CCTV (close circuit television) cameras at strategic points.
"We have plans to install CCTVs at around 8-10 strategic points for the purpose of enhancing security," he said.
BBMB has also proposed to install Under Vehicle Surveillance System (UVSS) which will allow complete scanning of vehicles at Bhakra dam.
The Bhakra authorities have already doubled the presence of security personnel around the dam to over 600. At present the security of the dam is being handled by multiple agencies, including Himachal and Punjab Police.
Bhakra dam is set up in Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh across Sutlej river. The reservoir water is used for various purposes including irrigation by partnering states - Punjab, Haryana and Rajashthan.
