To be opened by PM, SEBI building in Mumbai turns a security citadel

The work on the new SEBI building at Mumbai's new destination Bandra-Kurla complex was about to begin last year when SEBI managers thought of having one with inherent security features.

The work on the new SEBI building at Mumbai8217;s new destination Bandra-Kurla complex was about to begin last year when SEBI managers thought of having one with inherent security features. Result: the country has perhaps the first fool-proof building at its inception. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is going to inaugurate the building on October 5.

For the eight-storeyed building, which also houses Economic Market Intelligence Department, the SEBI had hired the Central Industrial Security Force CISF as consultant to prepare a plan where everybody will be under watch. The CISF was asked to visualise a building, which is ready to meet any eventuality 8212; forcible entry of vehicle, terrorist attack, sabotage, theft or any modern crime that a criminal can think of.

Thus, on an average, there are 10 CCTV cameras per floor, mapping every inch of corridors and working space. The building is fitted with biometrics at the gate and even at some sensitive parts of the building, where only an employee working in that department can enter. And there is infra-red beam all around the building to raise alarm in case of an intrusion.

The CISF prepared a blueprint of hi-tech security 8212; tried and tested in several countries, which forced the SEBI to make minor alterations in its building plans. The SEBI managers, however, did not mind it in the name of security. The building is ready for occupation and unlike the other buildings where an addition of security structures look somewhat out of place, the new SEBI building has not lost its aesthetics.

SEBI spokesperson N. Hariharan said: 8220;SEBI may shift its office from the Mittal Court to new Bandra-Kurla complex building next month. The security features of the new building are as for any new modern building.8221;

Access points to the Kurla SEBI building are fool-proof. Unlike other Mumbai buildings, its boundary wall has been raised to nearly eight-feet. On the top of the wall is active infra-red beam. 8220;The alarm will go out the moment you climb the wall,8221; a senior SEBI official said.

At the gates, the entry road is laid out with hidden spikes to puncture any vehicle forcing entry into the building. 8220;The CISF had recommended installation of bollards, but we preferred spikes, since we had plans for underground construction,8221; a senior SEBI official associated with the construction of the building said.

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There are modern security cabins equipped with electronic surveillance, including baggage screening X-ray machines, at the gates. The traffic at the gate has been segregated and diverted. The pedestrians and visitors will take different gate for entry and the employees will have to go through biometric system. The top three floors of the building are out of bound for the visitors and even for employees, who have nothing to do with these floors. And in certain departments like Market Intelligence, an additional fingerprint biometric system has been installed, where only those who work in that department will be allowed to enter.

The CISF has reportedly recommended installation of 8216;under carriage vehicle inspection system8217;, which requires cameras fitted beneath the road at the entry level. Since it invites lots of expenditure, SEBI is still considering it.