In spite of the city being hit by three blasts over the recent years and 20 wanted terror suspects from Hyderabad still at large, the city has inadequate safety measures in place. As the nation observes Anti-Terrorism Day on Monday, a reality check at public places revealed that Hyderabad has still not learnt a lesson. The security systems at temples, cinema halls, malls or parks, are either dysfunctional or are eye-washes.
While door-frame metal detectors and hand-held detectors are in place at many of these places, the guards are lackadaisical. Though the police has taken initiatives to sensitise the public, very little has been done to implement safety measures. It is the basic requirement at any public place to install metal detectors, CCTVs, and frisk everyone entering the premises apart from providing separate baggage counters. Though most cinema halls and malls have a separate baggage counter, frisking is hardly taken seriously.
Deepak, a student who frequents cinema halls said, “There have been many instances when I got through with a lighter I carried by mistake. On busy days, the guards just let you pass through. It is good they don’t allow bags.” Police commissioner Anurag Sharma said that it was impossible to provide security at all public places. “We have sensitised people and managements. We can only advice. We cannot order. Also, we are dependent on private security agencies to provide security at malls, cinema halls and a few public parks,” he said.
Security measures remain on paper
In the face of growing security concerns in the city, key railway stations lag behind in security measures The Integrated Security Management System project, that includes setting up of metal detectors, vehicle and baggage scanners and CCTV cameras, has remained a plan on paper till date. The system was supposed to be in place by December last year, but no progress has been made so far.
The Secunderabad and Nampally railway stations, with the maximum passenger traffic flow, have barely four metal detectors and no guards at entry and exit points. Secunderabad railway station, the model for other railway stations under the South Central Railway, has metal detectors, but no one to monitor them. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) presence has also been reduced over the last few months. Currently, each station has about 16 constables on platform duty apart from a special team to manage the holiday rush.
Admitting that security at the stations is less than desired, B. Mohan, IG, RPF, said that the number of uniformed guards had declined, with people sent on election duty failing to return. “But at any given time there are between 14 to 16 cops on platform duty, but more security forces are required. Meanwhile, the Integrated Security Management System project has got delayed since December last year, first at the telecommunication department, and later, on the part of the company implementing the project.” It is hoped to be in place by July and then “railway security will be strengthened significantly” he said