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This is an archive article published on July 29, 2011
AAI reviews security after breach at Juhu aerodrome
A security breach at the Juhu aerodrome last week where at least two people were found in the operational area in the dead of the night without any identification or entry pass
Written by Express News Service
Mumbai | July 29, 2011 03:32 AM IST
3 min read
3 min read
A security breach at the Juhu aerodrome last week where at least two people were found in the operational area in the dead of the night without any identification or entry pass has prompted the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to review its security cordon around the facility and replace some of the guards at the entrance.
As of now,the guards have been taken off duty from the main gate and shifted to a location inside,but we have informed the Maharashtra State Guard Board,which is responsible for the security at Juhu airport,that some of the guards may have to be removed, an official said. The incident occurred last Monday when an actor and two others,one of whom is an employee of a helicopter company based out of the Juhu aerodrome,reportedly gained access without any entry pass or a vehicle permit.
They were allegedly driving around the runway and the operational area in a vehicle a little after 2 am,despite the heavy downpour. This caught the attention of the guards near the ONGC helipad,who swung into action and questioned them. Three helicopter companies have guest rooms within the airport premises. We have told all operators that henceforth,they will not be able to bring third party persons to the guest rooms. All guest rooms will have to remain empty, an official said.
The breach occurred at a time when the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) is under high alert following the serial bomb blasts in the city earlier this month.
The AAI has also been attempting to bring the entire Juhu airport under CISF cover but the plan has been pending for a long time because of poor infrastructure. Currently,only the ONGC helipad,within the Juhu aerodrome,has CISF cover. Last May,following the visit of Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi,airport officials became aware of the gaping holes in security around the airport and pushed for CISF cover for the entire airport. The CISF headquarters has sanctioned the security personnel for the airport earlier this year,however,the guards are waiting for the watch towers and other related infrastructure to come up before taking charge.
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