Parl panel urges focus on police concerns about Delhi airport

Taking "serious note" of various concerns expressed by Delhi Police regarding security at Indira Gandhi International Airport here, a parliamentary panel has recommended that all these issues need to be considered for their immediate redress.
The panel in its report has also said that providing security at airports should be a sovereign function as the "security of the airports is an integral part of national security".
"The committee notes the various concerns expressed by the Delhi Police as regards the security at Delhi International Airport.
"The issues are very serious and need immediate attention of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Home Affairs and various other stakeholders. The committee recommends that all the issues need to be considered for immediate redressal," the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture said in its 230th report, that was tabled in Rajya Sabha today.

"The committee expresses its serious concern over the grey area and security-related problems as mentioned by Delhi Police. It is equally appalled to see the existing interface between Delhi Police and DIAL in respect of security-related issues at the airport. It reflects a lack of mutual confidence in one another as well as required co-ordination between the two," said the panel headed by KD Singh.
Noting that civil aviation security is a very integral and important element of national security that cannot be "compromised," the panel in its report also recommended that airport security should be absolute.
"Airport complex is a crucial infrastructure. Any large- scale damage/terrorist attack on the airport complex will be catastrophic with far-reaching grave implications for the citizens and the economy. Investments flowing into the country depends on the state of the security and safety... The security must be adequate and in proportion to the threat perception," it said.