Chandigarh hotels asked to install CCTV, caller-ID phones

Chandigarh, Dec 24 (IANS) Hotels, both private and government-owned, in Chandigarh have been asked to install closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) and caller identity (ID) phones as part of enhanced security measures, an official said Wednesday.

The decision was taken at a meeting of administration officials, including Home Secretary Ram Niwas, with representatives of the hotel industry.

The hotels have been asked to install CCTV cameras at the entry, exit, reception, underground parking and front parking of all hotels. They have also been instructed to maintain record of at least one month's CCTV camera footage.

Hotels have also been asked to seek identity proof of every client checking in and to ensure proper checking and examination of luggage. Hotels have also been instructed to get hand-held metal detectors to frisk people.

People carrying weapons will have to disclose these and give the licence number of their weapons.

Hotels have also been asked to install caller-ID facility on their phones to detect hoax calls being made to them about bombs planted on the premises.

The home secretary said random checking of these facilities and other security precautions would be undertaken from Jan 20.

'The security measures are to instil a sense of security among visitors to the city,' Ram Niwas said.

Manmohan Singh, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Chandigarh, requested the ciy police to train the gatekeepers and other staff of hotels in dealing with any situation.