Over 100 false alarms a day at IGI airport keep CISF on its toes

Every time the Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport raises an alarm, a Quick Response Team (QRT) of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) swings into action and armed commandos rush to the spot. Mostly, they return empty-handed and this drill is repeated at least 100 times a day.

Sources say that the system raises more than 100 fake alarms a day which has prompted agencies to decrease its sensitivity. Such a move raises concerns among intelligence agencies that a real threat may go undetected.

The multilayer security system with around 200 CCTV cameras to capture even the slightest movement near the boundary wall of one of the country's most sensitive airports has radars, more than 35 watchtowers and a patrolling track along the 25-km perimeter wall of the airport.

Since its introduction in 2012, in accordance with Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) guidelines, the installation of PIDS has remained a controversial subject. Installed by the airport operator DIAL (Delhi International Airport Ltd), the CISF which takes care of the airport's security had to take over the system. However, senior officials say that the CISF cannot take over the system unless it is completely snag-free.

The airport operator, however, claims that, initially, some technical issues were detected in the system, which were duly addressed by a team of technical experts.

In September last year, the Deputy National Security Advisor had also visited the airport and expressed concerns about the PIDS.

"Delhi airport is one of the most sensitive areas across the country. Every time an alarm goes off, our teams are rushed and a complete drill has to be followed. There is a set protocol. The number of fake alarms has gone up to 100-150 a day, which is a menace for the CISF. The sensitivity of the system has been lowered to get rid of fake alarms. The slightest movements are taken note of, we can't compromise on public safety," said a senior CISF officer.

The CISF also checks the system manually multiple times a day and regular patrolling along the boundary wall is ensured.

Officials from the airport, however, said that the problem is being rectified following a directive of the BCAS. "The system initially had some teething problems, which were duly addressed. The problem of excessive alarms was fixed and the system got stabilised," an officer said. The airport operator also has a dedicated IT team to manage the system from their Security Operations Control Centre (SOCC) on a 24x7 basis.

Airport sources also confirmed that in the aftermath of the Pathankot incident last year, a joint exercise was conducted by the CISF and the DIAL, during which the efficacy of the system was proven when the PIDS- generated alarms and integrated CCTV cameras alerted CISF personnel at SOCC.

Meanwhile, DIAL said that while CISF is operating and monitoring the system, DIAL is maintaining the serviceability issues of PIDS to support the force. "The number of alarms does not mean the system is defective. In fact, the system is quite efficient that any reasonable disturbance raises an alarm. The average number of alarms are around 50 per day, which also includes testing and maintenance," said DIAL.

Recently, BCAS has indicated that it will issue revised specifications, which would be implemented on the receipt of BCAS circular/guidelines, the airport operator said. Besides, a joint Committee headed by CISF IG is looking into ways to ensure optimum usage of existing PIDS, DIAL added.

The menace

• The system generates more than 100 fake alarms everyday, making it unreliable
   
• Every time an alarm is generated, a complete security drill follows to ensure the safety of the perimeter
   
• At times the system also fails to generate any alarm despite intrusion
   
• The system is manually checked multiple times by the CISF

Major threats in the past

Sept 2016: A man scaled the perimeter wall of the airport and roamed around the runway area with a bag in hand, unnoticed for almost half-an-hour.

March 2014: A 16-year-old boy scaled the boundary wall close to the Kapashera crossing and walked undetected almost up to an active runway.

On both occasions, the alarm failed to go off, leading to action on the security personnel deployed in the vicinity