CISF worry: Very few CCTVS at airports

NEWDELHI: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has highlighted so-called dark zones created by lack of closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage among the issues compromising security at 34 airports in its annual audit report. Other issues highlighted include a shortage of baggage X-ray machines, bomb detectors and walkie-talkies at airports across the country.

The report said CISF’S investigation processes are often hampered as at seven airports do not have the facility to keep digital CCTV recordings for the mandatory 30-day period as per the security guidelines.

“There is a deficiency of 1,882 cameras at 34 airports and we have intimated the Airports Authority of India (AAI). There are some airports, where digital video recording system is unavailable. We would not want to reveal the names of the airports as it compromises security,” said a CISF officer, citing the report on condition of anonymity.

The report said many airports also do not have CCTV systems with enhanced features -- such as an alarm in case a suspicious object is noticed.

A spokesperson for the AAI, which manages the country’s civil aviation infrastructure, said the issues such as dark zones are addressed periodically. “The CCTV system is available at all airports. The CISF… along with (concerned) airport directors carry out periodical surveys for providing additional cameras for further up gradation of CCTVS to cover any dark zones,” the spokesperson added.