Date:08/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/08/stories/2008120857860300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Big apartments, bigger issues

Aloysius Xavier Lopez

— Photo: M.Vedhan

SAFETY MATTERS: An apartment with a security guard in front.

CHENNAI: After the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, security reigns supreme in the minds of all residents. Many residents seem concerned about security in apartments, particularly very big apartments with hundreds of residents.

“Cooperation of all residents in a residential complex is crucial for success of the security mechanism,” said R.Chandrasekar, a resident of Adyar.

Despite the presence of the police in their neighbourhood, most of the residents rely on the private security mechanism in the city. The private security mechanism is governed by the Private Security Agencies Act, 2005 and Tamil Nadu Private Security Agencies Rules, 2008.

“Around one lakh private security guards in the city are involved in maintaining security. Many of them are involved in keeping the residential apartments secure. After the terror strike in Mumbai, we have asked the members of the private security agencies to be more vigilant,” said Shibu Issac, Chairman of Central Association of Private Security Industry-Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry chapter.

The private security guards dial 100 for reporting any new development to the police. As the number 100 is provided for helping the public, during a crisis the line may be choked and the private security guards may find it difficult to convey crucial information to the police, said Mr.Issac.

This provision also causes a time lag in the response by the authorities concerned.

If a dedicated line is created for communication by the private security guards to the police, the task of preventing any possible terror strikes may become easier, he adds.

Police officials advise the residents to inform the police about their houses remaining vacant.

This will help the police maintain vigil with the ‘locked house register.’

The copy of the layout of extremely big residential complex may be kept ready at the entrance with the security personnel in order to deal with any emergency, said A.G. Babu, an IPS official.

“The members of the residents’ association are planning to have periodic interaction with the police and fire service department,” said V.Arockiasamy, a resident of Nungambakkam.