Hi-tech security at Vidhana Soudha

Hi-tech security at Vidhana Soudha
Gayathri Nivas, Bangalore, DH News Service:
The place will be swamped by hi-tech security checking and surveillance devices such as pop-up Tyre Killers, automatic Boom Barricades and Vehicle Scanner Machines...

Pity anyone who must visit Vidhana Soudha after a fortnight, or indeed for many more days to come. For, security checks at the hot seat of the State’s administration are going to be intensified dramatically.

The place will be swamped by hi-tech security checking and surveillance devices such as pop-up ‘Tyre Killers’, automatic ‘Boom Barricades’ and Vehicle Scanner Machines. Starting work next week, these high-end detect and strike devices should be in place in two to three weeks time, barring rain playing spoil sport.

Defining Vidhana Soudha as a “Special Security Zone,” all four gates would be secured under the first phase, besides adjacent Vikasa Soudha, says Mr S Lakshman Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Vidhana Soudha security.

Call it post-Al Qaeda threat alert or part of the security beef-up since the terror attack on Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the police are at it relentlessly. Bullet-proof bunkers, which even Parliament does not boast of, have already been installed at the four Vidhana Soudha gates. These bunkers with search light and air-conditioning, enable the guards manning them to open fire from inside their protective den.

Boom Barricades are computerised, automatic gates operated from a control desk akin to manned railway crossings. When an authorised vehicle approaches the gate, the barricade will open after the requisite clearance.
Pop-up Tyre Killers involve a ground-level switch which gets activated once a suspect or unauthorised vehicle approaches the gate and five to six poles pop up obstructing entry to the 'intruder'.

Vehicle scanner machines, like the one installed at Chief Minister's official residence, Anugraha, are ground-level devices which will scan the inside and boot of approaching vehicles for security risks and if found suspect, the reception desk will be alerted on wireless to block entry.

These devices only represent the first level of protection which has already been sanctioned. The second level is yet to receive clearance and includes heightened security for Legislator's Home and Raj Bhavan as well. The next generation measures include a biometric-type scanning tag which will scan vehicles approaching the gates at speeds up to 15 km and provide ground clearance only for authorised vehicles. The gates will remain shut for unauthorised vehicles or ones without the tag.

Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha staff, elected representatives, bureaucrats and certain other sections duly authorised would be provided the vehicle tags.

But what about security for the Janata at more mundane places such as jam-packed discos and teeming bus stands?