Bomb disposal squad 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 Nedumbassery International Airport near here from today as part of measures to enhance security 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 incorporating communication systems.

The team also has the latest hand-held metal detectors, portable explosive detector, 'render safe procedure' (RSP) kit, surveillance periscope, trolley mirror, bomb suppression 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. Now, it would have a dedicated round-the-clock team, CISF Commandant K C Suresh Kumar said.

'Explosive devices are the principal tools in the hands of terrorists today because of their ability to cause maximum destruction. Cochin International Aiport Ltd (CIAL) is pursuing all avenues to make the security system at the aiport foolproof.' Mr Suresh Kumar told UNI the squad would conduct 'sweeping operations' every day to make the entire airport area sterile. The squad held a demonstration at the airport last evening.

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

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

UNI ARC SP KP1447