Airport security plans in limbo as officials dither

It is a miracle that there have been no terrorist strikes at any Indian airport as a slumbering AAI and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) refuse to learn any lessons.
Records accessed by The Tribune reveal shocking lethargy and a complete inability to grasp the security threat.
Take the case of biometric screening widely considered the most effective way to vet perimeter security.
Mr Praful Patel passed orders on the file asking the AAI to introduce the system two years ago. But till now no action has been taken and the AAI and the BCAS cannot even decide on the type of system they want.
A rocket launcher fired from the slum cluster that adjoins the runway can bring down even a jumbo. Yet, the AAI officially claims it is unable to take any action.
Nowadays, x- ray screening of baggage is considered outdated. It is not enough to deal with the security threat. Yet, the AAI and the BCAS remain blithe.
17/08/06 Swati Chaturvedi/The Tribune

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