Bomb disposal squad becomes operational at Nedumbassery Airport

Kochi, Oct 14 (UNI) A special Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) became operational at the Nedumbassery International Airport near here from today as part of measures to enhance security arrangements at the airport.

The five-member squad, headed by an inspector, is equipped with modern devices and state-of-the-art protection gear like 'bomb suits' and helmets which incorporate communication systems.

The team is also provided with the latest hand-held metal detectors, portable explosive detector, 'render safe procedure' (RSP) kit, surveillance periscope, trolley mirror, bomb supression blanket, bomb basket, search inspection kit and car remote opening kit.

So far, the airport was depending on the bomb detection and disposal squad of the state police. With the deployment of the CISF squad, the airport would have a dedicated round-the-clock bomb detection and disposal team, CISF Commandant K C Suresh Kumar said.

''Explosive devices are the principal tools in the hands of terrorists today becuase of their ability to cause maximum destruction. The Cochin International Aiport Ltd. (CIAL) is pursuing all avenues to make the security system at the aiport foolproof,'' he added.

Mr Suresh Kumar told UNI that the squad would conduct ''sweeping operations'' every day to make the entire airport area sterile from any threat. The squad, which held a demonstration at the airport last evening, became operational from today.

In other initiatives, the CIAL is also planning to have its own dog squad. CIAL Managing Director Bharath Shreeram has held discussions with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Safety (BCAS) and the Director General of CISF regarding procurement of trained sniffer dogs for Nedumbassery Airport.

Airport Director A C K Nair said the services of the bomb detection and disposal squad would be available for the state police and other organisations in and around Kochi to deal with any bomb threat situation.

UNI ARC VS1420