The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Security to be tightened at vital installations

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Saturday, Aug 23, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Security to be tightened at vital installations

Special Correspondent

Home Minister reviews security arrangements

BANGALORE: In the wake of recent blasts and terror threats, the State Government has decided to step up security at 356 major installations such as power plants, dams and bridges worth Rs. 1 lakh crore.

Home Minister V.S. Acharya told presspersons here on Friday that services of one Indian Reserve Battalion of Raichur and two Karnataka State Reserve Police battalions would be utilised to provide security at installations such as Krishnaraja Sagar, Tungabhadra , Varahi, Almatti, Ghataprabha Malaprabha reservoirs; Raichur Thermal Power Station, Bellary Thermal Power Station and major bridges. Of the 356 installations, 50 have been identified as vital structures, he said.

Dr. Acharya reviewed the security arrangements at major installations in the State. The officials of the Water Resources, Energy, Police and Public Works Departments attended the meeting.

The annual cost for providing security by one battalion comprising of 1,000 personnel would be Rs. 10 crore. The Karnataka Power Corporation Limited has recruited 1,500 personnel for providing security at its power stations and hydro-electric projects. To upgrade their skills, a training programme would be arranged for them, he said.

There was a need for better coordination between officials of Water Resources, Home, Energy and Public Works departments to provide security at installations. The Minister said a disaster management authority comprising Deputy Commissioners and Superintendent of Police would be constituted in each district to tackle crisis situations.

The nature and type of security would be decided based on the location, size and importance of the power plants, dams and bridges. A long-term and short duration security arrangements would be set in place to safeguard vital installations, which are major contributors to the State economy, he said.

Movement of the public and vehicles has been restricted at dams. Movement of vehicles would be banned on dam bunds to ensure their safety. Besides installation of closed circuit television sets, the security personnel would be provided sophisticated weapons to guard structures and installations, Dr. Acharya added.

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