Patil calls for integrated security of vital installation

New Delhi, May 13 (UNI) In view of the increased threat perception from terror outfits to vital installations like nuclear power plants, space stations, ports and power plants, the Centre has called for adopting an integrated security system to protect them.

Addressing a conference on "Security of Installations in Key Sectors' comprising Oil and Natural Gas, Power, and Port Sectors here yesterday, Home Minister Shivraj Patil stressed the need to synergize the efforts of all key partners for a safer and more efficient functioning of the installations in the various sectors.

He said that there was a need to protect the supply chain of raw materials to these industries, as any disruption would not only impede their functioning but also impact on the country's growing economy. The Home Minister also underscored the need to protect these assets by adopting an integrated security system.

The Conference organised by the Home Ministry Intelligence Bureau deliberated on the need for laying down modalities for standardization of industrial security measures sector-wise.

The role of computer network and technological upgradations were also deliberated upon.

It discussed various aspects of the "Need for an Integrated Security System". Various methods of security risk assessment of installations and other problems being faced by them also came up for discussion.

The importance of ports and ways to strengthen port security was deliberated. The issue of coastal security along with police stations in coastal areas was discussed in detail as most of the vital installations like Bombay High, Trombay and ports like Paradip, Margao, Mumbai Port Trust are there.

The presentation by the Home Ministry highlighted the lack of critical infrastructure protection standards and stressed on the necessity for presecribing security standards and their implemenation.

The importance of a systematic approach in drawing up a security plan including asset identification, assessment of risk and identification and evaluation of counter measures were also outlined. The modeling software on risk assessment methodology were also discussed.

The Conference was attended by Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta, Secretary Security K C Verma, CISF Director General R K Das, the Director of SPG B V Wanchoo. The Heads of Installations along with their Security Chiefs including Chairman of the Oil and Natural Gas Commission the CMD of Oil India Ltd. Chairman of the Paradip Port Trust, Mumbai Port Trust, Kolkatta Port Trust, Cochin and New Mangalore Port Trust were also present at the Conference.

Members of the National Disaster Management Authority K M Singh, J K Sinha and B Bhattacharjee alongwith representatives of the Jamnagar Renfinery, Tata Power Co Ltd and Reliance Energy Ltd and NHPC were also present at the meeting.

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