Security tightened at key nuclear, space installations

A team of National Security Guards has taken position at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, one of the most important

A team of National Security Guards has taken position at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, one of the most important, sophisticated and multi-disciplinary atomic research programme at Kalpakkam, as part of a massive security measure across the country in the run up to Independence Day.

According to sources in the Central Industrial Security Force, Hyderabad, in charge of providing security for Department of Atomic Energy, security has been tightened at selective nuclear and space establishments all over the country, following intelligence reports that the LeT might target vital installations on August 15.

Yesterday, the NSG personnel arrived by a defence plane and left for IGCAR, about 75 kms from here. The NSG is expected to supplement the existing security cover being provided by the CISF and tighten the round-the-clock vigil at Kalpakkam. The security measure comes in the wake of a visit by the National Security Adviser MK Narayanan to Chennai on August 9 to discuss with the CM, M Karunanidhi, various security issues, particularly the Sri Lankan situation. Narayanan had recently disclosed that one of the atomic energy installations in the country was under LeT threat.

Set up in 1971 by the Department of Atomic Energy of the Government of India, the IGCAR is engaged in a broad based multidisciplinary programme of scientific research and advanced engineering for the development of Fast Breeder Reactor technology. The Madras Atomic Power Station, with two power units, each producing 220 MW, is also located in the IGCAR premises, besides the upcoming fast breeder power project to produce 500 MW power.

Taj Mahal protection stepped up

AGRA: Security has been bolstered around the Taj Mahal after a meeting of top officials decided that protection around the historical monument was inadequate to thwart a possible terror strike. Additional protection will also be provided to Ramjanmabhoomi and Mathura to protect it against any terror attacks, officials said. Bunkers have been set up on the roads leading to the Taj and units of PAC deployed on the Yamuna river side of the monument.

At NSC Bose Airport, even shoes checked

KOLKATA: Security at the NSC International Airport here was tightened on Friday with even the shoes of passengers being searched in view of a US warning of terror strikes in Delhi and Mumbai, airport sources said. Sources said that Airports Authority of India8217;s own security system had been reactivated, while security outside the airport was being looked after by the state armed police.

PTI