Second meeting of Security Advisory Council to Civil Aviation held

New Delhi, Nov 11(ANI): The second meeting of the Security Advisory Council to Civil Aviation (SACCA) was held here today under the chairmanship of Secretary Dr. Nasim Zaidi.

The meeting was graced by Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi.

Addressing the meeting, Ravi said that the challenge in aviation security is to develop a robust security system for tackling the security challenges posed by criminals with the help of advanced technologies and methods.

He said that Ministry of Civil Aviation is constantly examining the need for infusion of new modalities and technology for fast and secure clearance of passengers and their carry-on items.

He further said that this meeting is significant as the inputs and interaction of stakeholders, users regulatory authority and government bodies create an environment of aviation security, while ensuring the passenger facilitation.

Highlighting the initiatives taken by the Ministry on aviation security, Dr. Zaidi said that the new Aircraft (Security) Rules, 2011 was framed for the first time, which is under process of notification.

He said that the anti-hijack Act 1982 is being amended to give severe punishment.

He suggested that the passengers' convenience and passenger friendly aspects should also be part of the security mechanism.

In a power point presentation the Commissioner of BCAS highlighted initiatives taken on airport security.

Around 16000 persons trained in civil aviation security this year to compared 9000 last year. 61 mock exercises were conducted this year. Assessment of security threats for all airports is underway.

A committee was set up for Fate House Plan for screening of vehicles and persons entering airside.

The senior officials of Ministry of Civil Aviation, Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), CMD Air India, CISF, Delhi Police and DIAL attended the meeting.

Issues like, the use of all available X-ray machines/screening check points by CISF for clearance of passengers during peak hours, theft of passenger-belongings at the airports, reduction of several levels of document verification as part of identity checks on passengers and various other significant issues related to aviation security were also discussed in the meeting. (ANI)