HOW SAFE ARE WE?

The security reviewed by the senior police officers after the attacks found that the security system warranted an immediate revamp in various spheres, like intelligence, arms and ammunition, training, guarding, and of course physical fitness, besides rescue operations and medical services.

The officials have found, though refused to admit it on record, that security could be breached in the city in the present scenario. They said there was a dire need to strengthen security in and around the vital installations and public places and upgrade medical and fire services.

The UT Home Secretary has already directed the police department to present a detailed project report regarding handling of any emergency in the city. He emphasised on the setting up of a control room, quick reaction force, specialised commando training and specialised equipment. The Director, Health Services, has been asked to prepare the inventory of the infrastructure available.

Modernisation plans
The police department has sought a state-of-the-art archery from the Centre for its personnel. 8220;We have asked for more AK-47, INSAS rifles, bullet-proof jackets, sniffer dogs and surveillance equipment. The systems will help us fight the enemy with confidence and protect human lives,8221; said Senior Superintendent of Police S S Srivastava. Commando companies would be sent for a refresher course under the National Security Guards NSG at Manesar, said DIG Mahabir Singh.

Intelligence network
It needs a revamp to have prior information of an attack well in time. There are plans of posting competent officers in intelligence agencies like the CID, besides mandatory tenure for personnel in the branches and linkage of this requirement with promotion, a system of incentives, dedicated staff for intelligence work right up to the police station level, re-activating the beat constable system, making available modern equipment and gadgets for interception and special training for personnel.

Instructions to hotels
The police have suggested a 8216;two-barricade8217; security system for the vehicles entering the service area with guests or goods. Installation of sophisticated gadgets such as door-framed metal detectors and screening of luggage with handheld metal detectors have also been proposed. The hotel staff will ensure that every guest is identified. In case of foreign nationals, receptionists should verify the genuineness of their visa and passport and seek the assistance of intelligence agencies if necessary. The police will advise the hoteliers to install cameras on the boundary wall and at strategic points inside the hotel. All cameras should be networked in a control room and the visuals should be monitored round-the-clock and stored with a backup of at least 15 days. They will lay emphasis on the sensitisation of cab and bus companies in contract with the hotels. ASP Madhur Verma said they had already briefed the hotel managements to take precautions and offered all kind of help.

Possible targets
The city, with an area of 114 square kilometres, has several areas with high population density. Malls, shopping complexes, offices, roads, hospitals and Punjab and Haryana secretariats remain crowded most of the time. The city also has places famous for their architecture and uniqueness like the Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake and the Sector-17 market complex where tourists keep pouring in from all over the world.

Security for cricket teams
SSP S S Srivastava said the cricket teams of India and England scheduled to play a Test in Mohali would be given multi-tier security. The routes they will travel through will be sensitised and jammers will move with them. Visitors to Hotel Taj will be screened minutely during the stay of the teams.

Public areas
Public transport areas in the city, which are most susceptible to casualties in case of an attack, have different levels of security arrangements at some places while none at the other.

Airport scenario
It swung into action after the Mumbai attacks and now has multi-tier security arrangements. These were made more stringent from Thursday following a threat that terrorists were planning an air strike. Where around 150 CISF guards are deployed at the terminal, the Chandigarh Police are taking care of the area surrounding the airport. Security personnel are screening all vehicles before they reach the airport.

Airport Director Sunil Dutt said the airport was fully prepared to counter any kind of attack or threat. On Saturday, the airport authorities had a meeting with taxi drivers and loaders and directed them to keep an eye on any suspicious vehicle, person or object. 8220;We have been authorised to keep a check though simple conversation,8221; said a taxi operator.

The vehicles will have to go through a second checking by CISF guards before the parking area. 8220;To avoid congestion in the parking area, attendants issuing parking tickets have been shifted to the other end,8221; said Dutt.

The passengers will have to go through the usual checking routine at the entrance of the terminal. After verification of their tickets, they will be permitted inside. According to airport officials, the remaining checking will be done as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Railway station
The security situation at the railway station presents a picture in contrast to the airport. There was neither any security check at the entrance nor anywhere inside. Visitors to the station can be seen evading the metal detection machine installed at the entrance gate. Station Superintendent R K Dutta, however, assured that all requisite security measures had been put in place.

Scene at ISBTs
Security at the bus stands has been strengthened in the last few days. An official said personnel from different agencies like the CRPF, police, dog squads and commandos had been deployed at both the ISBTs. 8220;More speakers are to be installed at the remaining platforms,8221; said Bus Stand supervisor Basudev Sharma. Police post in-charge Sheesh Pal said with the cooperation of the ISBT-43 staff and other security agencies the security situation was under control at the bus stand. He said the ISBT staff had been told to inform the police if they spotted any suspicious object or person.

Help sought from Army
The Chandigarh Administration has asked the Army to react in time if any terror attack takes place. The Army will be made well aware of the important installations of the city so that soldiers can act efficiently in case of a terror attack.