Sansad TV: Safety & Security in India Civil Aviation | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

The Indian Civil Aviation industry has experienced significant growth in passenger traffic in recent years, resulting in more Airports, Aircraft, and flight routes. Niti Aayog plans to expand airport capacity by over five times to accommodate one billion trips annually. This exceptional growth has heightened the security requirements of the civil aviation sector. Airport security is a major concern for both domestic and international travelers due to the threat of terrorism. Hence, it is crucial for the Government to ensure airport security in line with international standards, with a zero-tolerance approach towards any vulnerabilities.

Observations and recommendations

• Security personnel at airports: The Committee noticed that out of 118 operational airports, only 64 airports are protected by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), while 54 airports lack such protection.
• The Committee suggests that the central government should aim to bring all operational airports under the security cover of CISF.
• The Committee also highlighted the presence of 1,166 vacancies within the CISF workforce deployed at airports.
• To address this, the Committee recommends that the full sanctioned strength of CISF personnel should be deployed at airports across the country. Additionally, the Ministry of Civil Aviation should establish dedicated institutions nationwide to meet the increased demand for security personnel in the aviation sector.
• The Committee further recommends conducting periodic surveys to assess the evolving threat perception at all airports nationwide. Based on the survey results, trained security personnel should be promptly deployed to airports.
• Bomb detection and disposal squad: The Committee observed that 44 airports still lack the presence of a Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), relying instead on local police assistance to handle such threats.
• Considering that local police may not possess the necessary technical expertise to neutralize bomb threats, the Committee recommends promptly engaging BDDS at these 44 airports. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) should be consulted in this regard.
• The Committee also suggests that the BDDS should consist of highly trained dogs with the best international credentials to enhance airport security.
• Screening technology: The Committee noted that most airports in the country currently employ Door Frame Metal Detectors (DFMDs) and Hand Held Metal Detectors (HHMDs) for security checks.
• The Committee recognizes that the DFMD/HHMD system is outdated and invasive of passengers' privacy.
• In light of this, the Committee recommends the Ministry to: (i) expedite the installation of full-body scanners at airports, (ii) adopt global best practices for biometric screening of passengers using facial recognition, fingerprint, and retinal scans, and (iii) install and activate Radiological Detection Equipment within the prescribed deadline. These measures will enhance passenger frisking technology and expedite queues at checkpoints.
• Equipment specifications: The Committee acknowledges that airport operators must procure and provide security equipment that meets the specifications set by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
• To ensure proper equipment usage and maintenance, the Committee suggests that the BCAS should proactively engage with airport operators in training their personnel.
• The BCAS, under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, serves as the regulatory body responsible for safeguarding civil aviation operations against unlawful interference.
• Soft skills training: The Committee observed that security staff often serve as the initial point of contact between foreign passengers and the citizens of a country.
• To address this, the Committee recommends that the Ministry of Civil Aviation, in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, ensures adequate training in soft skills for CISF and other security staff at airports.
• Procedure for persons with special needs: The Committee noted that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for persons with special needs has been drafted by the BCAS and awaits stakeholder comments before finalization.
• The Committee urges the expeditious finalization and implementation of the SOP.