In an attempt to enhance security at Gannavaram airport, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has decided to erect two watch towers at the facility to keep a strict vigil on suspicious movements.
The move assumed significance as the movement of VIPs, including Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Ministers and MPs to the airport have increased of post-bifurcation. The rise in passenger patronage has also enabled the officials to take up a slew of security measures. Two towers would be established on either side of the runway, according to officials.
Armed with an AK-47 weapons, a police constable from the Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP) will be on duty at the six-meter high tower.
He will be provided with binoculars to keep a tab on the suspicious movements such as attempt to jump over the perimeter wall and he will immediately alert the command centre at the airport through wireless communication equipment.
The command centre authorities will, in turn, press the Quick Response Team (QRT) into service for taking the necessary action, a senior official explained.
He said that the AAI was erecting the towers at a total estimated cost of over Rs.5.3 lakh. The constables will be on duty round-the-clock to monitor the situation at the airport.
“Construction of towers will be completed within a few weeks as tenders have already been called for,” said the official.
More than 75 city policemen are, at present, guarding the airport in two shifts. They are allowing passengers only after frisking them with hand-held and door-frame metal detectors. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel will also soon be deployed at Gannavaram airport, replacing the City Police, they added.
