No specific security threat against Sriharikota Space Centre: Narayanasamy
New Delhi, Mar 14 : Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) V. Narayanasamy on Thursday informed that the security situation at Sriharikota is being continuously observed and there has been no specific security threat against the Space Centre.
In reply to a written question in the Rajya Sabha, Narayanasamy said: "The security situation at Sriharikota is being continuously observed. Security arrangements are being constantly reviewed and beefing up and necessary augmentation are being done whenever there is a alert issued by the Home Ministry or any other agency concerned. At present juncture of time, there has been no specific security threat against Sriharikota Space Centre."
"Sriharikota is a spindle shaped island on the east coast of Andhra Pradesh about 80 km north of Chennai. It is situated in the backwater Pulicate lake and sandwiched by Buckingham canal on the west and Bay of Bengal on the east. Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota has implemented a multilayer security system for its vital installations," he said.
"The outer boundary of Sriharikota has a double layer concertina coil followed by the next layer which has power fence and Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) surveillance system. All critical installations are provided with access control system for entry. Surveillance and Monitoring of vehicles, Visitor's Management, Monitoring and Control from single platform are also in place," he added.
He further said that the safety and security cover for Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota is provided by armed Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
"A strict authentication process is in place at all entry points on ground to prevent entry of any unauthorised person in to the island. On the sea side, CISF provides security coverage through watch tower and outpost on beach, foot and boat patrolling along the seashore. Additionally sea side security coverage is also provided by Marine police of Andhra Predesh," he said.
"The total funds allocated for safety and security and surveillance of these vital installations including the current year 2012-13 is about ' 136.50 Crores," he added.