This is among a series of measures, which the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has suggested to the Civil Aviation Ministry, sources said, adding that the Ministry is likely to issue an advisory to all airlines to take necessary measures.
The covert cameras could be used to videograph any incident on board, including a hijack or the doings of a disruptive passenger. The recommendation came after an anti-hijack drill at Delhi’s IGI Airport last month.
Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, Parimal Nathwani has demanded better security for air passengers’ baggage and has also sought strengthening of surveillance at airports.
Nathwani raised series of questions in the Parliament about the plight of air travellers, seeking better security to prevent pilferage of baggage on domestic and international airports.
According to the ministry of overseas Indian affairs and civil aviation, 15 instances involving complaints about pilferage and tampering of passengers’ baggage were received every month in the last one year. He said that many passengers were wary about the security of luggage.
“These instances are happening in spite of installation of CCTV camera system and monitoring by CISF and airline staff at airports,” he said.
He alleged that many airlines handled the luggage in negligent manner. He asked the airport authorities and airlines to improve working of the ground staff posted at airports.
About Ahmedabad International Airport, Nathwani said that installation of CCTVs at the international terminal was yet to be completed. He said that there was no sign of the central inquiry system or the centralised phone inquiry system.
Nathwani hoped that CISF and the airport security units would strengthen surveillance and deploy adequate manpower for security of registered baggage.
