The measure was taken after receiving several complaints regarding the loopholes in the city-side security
The Indira Gandhi International Airport's (IGIA) city-side security is now in the able paws of Rocky, Maggi, Janu, Hero, and John. These five Cocker Spaniels are part of the newly formed dog squad, especially dedicated to strengthen the security at the forecourt and to keep a stricter vigil on the city side of the Delhi's hypersensitive airport.
The squad, which is owned by the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), will assist the Central Industry Security Force (CISF), which handles the airport security. The measure was taken after receiving several complaints regarding the loopholes in the city-side security.
These dogs are being used by the personnel of DIAL's security force Raxa, which maintains security at forecourt, parking lots, city-side, and cargo terminals. Raxa basically assists the CISF and the Delhi Police in keeping a watch.
Constituted in March, 2017, the five-membered squad consists of three males (Rocky, John, and Hero) and two females (Maggi and Janu). Officials said that all the canines are nine months old and arrived at the Delhi airport after completing a four-month rigorous training course at the Andhra Pradesh Police Academy in Hyderabad. Officials said five more trained dogs are expected to arrive soon.
"These dogs would be an additional layer to the existing security system. We especially chose Cocker Spaniel as this breed is known to be very efficient at sniffing out suspicious items. At the same time, they are not ferocious and are very friendly with the public. As airport is a crowded place, we did not want the passengers to be scared of dogs. Cocker Spaniels are smart, quiet, and friendly. With their induction, we have a stronger hand when it comes to maintaining the vigil," an officer said. Officials said the dogs are currently patrolling parking lots, multi-level parking building, nakkas and pickets, taxi stands, and other nearby areas.
Besides, DIAL also has its own Bomb Detection Squad, being taken care of by the Raxa personnel. "We have advanced equipment to detect explosives, and our personnel in different teams keep patrolling the areas outside the terminal building. Since the airport is a huge area, we work in shifts, and round-the-clock vigil is maintained. When a threat is located, Raxa personnel immediately rope in the CISF or the Delhi Police, as they are the authorised agencies to take further action in this regard," an official at the airport said.
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