New "Quality Control Unit" Launched to Enhance Airport Security Amid Surge in False Bomb Threats

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, December 7, 2024, Kolkata : In a significant move to bolster security measures, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has launched a new initiative aimed at increasing technological capabilities and world-class security protocols at the country’s airports. The newly introduced "Quality Control Unit" is designed to enhance the Aviation Security Group (ASG) and will be implemented across 68 airports in India.

This development comes in the wake of rising concerns over false bomb threats that have plagued the aviation sector in recent months. According to aviation authorities, incidents of hoax bomb scares have caused substantial disruptions, not only inconveniencing passengers but also straining airport security resources. The false threats have been particularly prevalent on social media platforms, with widespread reports causing undue alarm.

As of November 13 this year, there have been as many as 994 reported hoax bomb threats across various flights, leading to severe disruptions. These threats were primarily propagated via social media, a phenomenon that has raised alarms among both aviation authorities and security experts. In response to this, social media platforms have been urged to enforce stricter content regulation to curb the spread of such misinformation.

A CISF spokesperson, in a statement to news agency PTI, confirmed that the new "Quality Control Unit" is part of an initiative launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to address growing security concerns. The spokesperson emphasized that the new unit aims to streamline airport security operations and enhance efficiency in response to the increasing challenges faced by security personnel.

Currently, about 50,000 CISF personnel are deployed across 68 airports, working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of passengers and airport facilities. Experts have also suggested that there is an urgent need for a legislative overhaul to address the evolving challenges in aviation security and to implement stricter measures against the growing threat of false alerts.

With the addition of this new unit, officials hope to minimize the impact of hoax threats while reinforcing the safety protocols necessary to protect the integrity of India’s aviation sector. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, stakeholders in the aviation industry are urging a concerted effort to improve both physical and digital security infrastructure.

The launch of the "Quality Control Unit" marks a critical step toward enhancing the overall safety and security framework at India’s airports, ensuring that passengers and airline staff remain safeguarded in an increasingly volatile environment.