‘Airport is like a border’

Multiple authorities work at the airport and each one of them is required to coordinate with one another to ensure security. Priyanka Gulati, deputy commissioner, prevention of smuggling and customs clearance, says, “Airport is a sensitive place. We have to ensure that whatever is not permitted in our country shouldn’t enter. There should be no smuggling, and no commercial goods should come in without paying for its duty fee. For commercial use, duty needs to be paid, otherwise the market here will get disturbed. If the duty isn’t paid, the item will be sold at a cheaper price, and anybody who is making it here at a higher cost, and paying GST, won’t be able to sell it. This will eventually affect the market.”

From gold to contraband to wildlife, people hide all sorts of things, and a high-level coordination is required to avoid any mishap.

Gulati adds, “Because of coronavirus, a flight that was coming from China had to be quarantined, and taken to a different place. We quickly ensured customs clearance.”

At a personal level, Gulati credits her husband for being her support system. “I’ve a child at home and my husband’s support plays a huge role in making it possible for me to work day and night,” she says.

Because of coronavirus, a flight that was coming from China had to be quarantined, and taken to a different place. PRIYANKA GULATI

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, PREVENTION OF SMUGGLING AND CUSTOMS CLEARANCE