Date:03/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/03/stories/2008120354530600.htm

Karnataka

Major firms and hotels in Bangalore tighten security

Sharath S. Srivatsa

Many tie up with risk management companies; demand blast-resistant films

Demand for right security gadgets, risk management plans
Invest banking, oil and gas sectors seek risk management

BANGALORE: Next time you walk into a star category hotel, access to the lobby could take some time and a couple of rounds of screening. With the terrorist attack on hotels in Mumbai recently exposing the chinks in security, the hospitality industry in particular and big installations in general in Bangalore, are beefing up their security.

The hunt to have the right mix of security gadgets and risk management plans are under way at many installations. While many organisations have drawn up security system on their own, based on their experience and need, others are hiring the services of risk management companies to assess their vulnerability and recommend pre-emptive measures. A leading hotel chain headquartered in Mumbai that also has some property in Bangalore, has tied up with a risk management company seeking consultancy services.

“People are concerned and are coming to us. Following the terror attack in Mumbai, they are seeking help,” an official of Control Risks, a risk management company, told The Hindu. Some of the sectors that have sought the help of risk management companies are investment banking, hospitality, oil and gas.

With a range of security products available in the market, organisations are scouting for the right ones. While fire protection products and bomb explosion-resistant films are considered to be a part of passive security system, the active security system involves collapsible gates, steel barricades, communication system, security personnel, metal detectors, sniffer dogs, CCTVs, and so on.

“We are in the process of getting scanning machines and increasing the number of CCTVs, besides the personnel strength. Private vehicles will not be allowed inside, and arrangements will be made to transport guests from the gate to the lobby,” said Priti Chand, Director of Phoenix Group Global, which operates a chain of luxury hotels.

Several installations in Bangalore have evinced interest in the state-of-the-art blast-resistant films or safety films for glazing soon after the terror attack in Mumbai.