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The Print
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Print
UP mulls high-tech CBRN safety net, robotic surveillance for VIP, vital installation security
Senior officials familiar with the matter said that consultations are ongoing with the DRDO, ECIL, Uttar Pradesh Police, paramilitary forces, and both state and national disaster management authorities. Drawing lessons from security protocols of Parliament, the state is working closely with agencies like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL) to design a multi-layered safety mechanism. Lucknow, Jun 8 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh government is planning to procure advanced technology for safeguarding key installations, the state assembly, and VIPs from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats. An evaluation by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is also being considered as part of the plan, they said. 'The system will be used for VIP and VVIP security, and during high-profile visits and events at strategic sites across the state,' an officer aware of the development told PTI. 'It will be based on technology from foreign countries, either the US or France,' the officer added. The proposed CBRN setup is part of a broader effort to strengthen internal security in light of recent geopolitical tensions, particularly with Pakistan. The initiative also builds on recent steps taken by the state government to secure the Uttar Pradesh Assembly complex. Earlier this year, the traditional vehicle stickers for MLAs, MLCs and other visitors were replaced with RFID tags after reports surfaced of fraudulent access using tampered passes. During a session of the assembly on March 5, Speaker Satish Mahana highlighted the security concerns, saying: 'It has come to our notice that fake vehicle passes are being created by tampering with those issued by the Assembly Secretariat. This is a serious security concern, and the matter has been referred to the state's purchasing department for investigation.' Under the envisioned CBRN safety net, multiple technologies will be integrated to detect and neutralise threats like viruses, spores, and toxins. A single setup may cost up to Rs 10 crore, according to initial estimates. In a parallel move, the state is also planning to procure advanced robotic surveillance devices, inspired by the US Department of Homeland Security and recent security technology exchanges during a visit by US Senator J D Vance to the Taj Mahal in Agra. These robots, based on French technology, will offer day and night surveillance capabilities and can be deployed in high-risk zones such as assembly premises, airports, or during major public events. Each robot, costing around Rs 80 lakh, is designed to access hard-to-reach and hazardous zones without endangering human lives. With a range of up to 90 metres, these wheeled devices can scan vehicles — even go underneath them — for potential explosives, and are equipped to traverse stairs, rough terrains, and confined spaces. 'Robot-based threat assessments can significantly reduce the need for human intervention in danger zones,' the officer said. 'Conventional wars and threats are a thing of the past now. We have to move past those trends and be future-ready,' the officer added. If implemented, Uttar Pradesh will become the first state police force in India to adopt a Parliament-style integrated security model against CBRN and explosive threats, the senior officer noted. PTI KIS MAN RHL This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.


Hindustan Times
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
U.P. plans hi-tech shield against CBRN threats
Drawing lessons from Parliament security protocols, the Uttar Pradesh government is working closely with agencies like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL) to design a multi-layered safety mechanism for safeguarding key installations, the state assembly, and VIPs from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats, according to senior officials aware of the development. The state government initiated the process when senior officials visited the recently-held three-day 'AeroDef India Manufacturing Expo', a major aerospace and defence manufacturing exhibition, in New Delhi from May 1 to 3. The state authorities also had an interaction with the U.S. department of homeland security, and recent security technology exchanges during a visit by U.S. senator JD Vance to the Taj Mahal in Agra. These robots, based on French technology, will offer day and night surveillance capabilities and can be deployed in high-risk zones such as assembly premises, airports, or during major public events. The state felt a sense of urgency in adopting the advanced technologies after the recent conflict with Pakistan leading to international tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. Senior government officials requesting anonymity said that the proposed CBRN setup is part of a broader effort to strengthen internal security in light of recent geopolitical tensions, particularly with Pakistan. The initiative also builds on recent steps taken by the state government to secure the U.P. assembly complex. Notably, CBRN threats pose a significant risk due to their potential for widespread harm, long-term health effects, and psychological impact. These threats are characterised by their low probability but high impact, often manifesting in accidental releases or intentional attacks. The CBRN incidents can be airborne, waterborne, foodborne, or through contaminated soil, making detection and response challenging. Under the envisioned CBRN safety net, multiple technologies will be integrated to detect and neutralise threats like viruses, spores, and toxins. A single setup may cost up to ₹10 crore, according to initial estimates. 'Consultations are ongoing with the DRDO, ECIL, U.P. Police, paramilitary forces, and both state and national disaster management authorities. An evaluation by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is also being considered as part of the plan,' they said, adding the system will be used for VIP and VVIP security, and during high-profile visits and events at strategic sites across the state. 'It will be based on technology from foreign countries, either the U.S. or France,' officials said. Earlier this year, the traditional vehicle stickers for MLAs, MLCs and other visitors were replaced with RFID tags after reports of fraudulent access using tampered passes emerged. During a state assembly session on March 5, speaker Satish Mahana highlighted the security concerns, saying: 'It has come to our notice that fake vehicle passes are being created by tampering with those issued by the assembly secretariat. This is a serious security concern, and the matter has been referred to the state's purchasing department for investigation.' The advanced robotic surveillance devices can be deployed in high-risk zones such as assembly premises, airports, or during major public events. Each robot, costing around ₹80 lakh, is designed to access hard-to-reach and hazardous zones without endangering human lives. With a range of up to 90 metres, these wheeled devices can scan vehicles -- even go underneath them -- for potential explosives, and are equipped to traverse stairs, rough terrains, and confined spaces. 'Robot-based threat assessments can significantly reduce the need for human intervention in danger zones,' a senior official said. 'Conventional wars and threats are a thing of the past now. We have to move past those trends and be future-ready,' the official added. If implemented, Uttar Pradesh will become the first state police force in India to adopt a Parliament-style integrated security model against CBRN and explosive threats, the senior official noted. With inputs from PTI


Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Process to check VVPATs, EVMs begins in Madhubani
Madhubani: The first-level check (FLC) of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) systems began here on Friday and will continue till June 12 in preparation for the upcoming assembly elections. The inspection was conducted in the presence of district election officer-cum-district magistrate Arvind Kumar Verma, EVM nodal officer V Sridhar (appointed by the Election Commission of India) and representatives of recognised political parties. The FLC process is being carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the ECI. A team of 18 engineers from the Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), Hyderabad, has been deployed for the task at the FLC hall, located on the ground floor of the VVPAT warehouse. The inspection is being conducted daily, including on holidays, from 9am to 7pm. The ECIL engineers are responsible for thoroughly testing the functionality of EVMs and VVPATs. This includes checking the control units, ballot units, switches, door flaps, acrylic screens, seals and the overall responsiveness and efficiency of the equipment. Additional security arrangements, such as door metal detectors, CCTV surveillance, webcasting, internet connectivity and fire extinguishers, were reviewed by the district election officer and the nodal officer. The DM issued necessary directives to ensure a secure and uninterrupted inspection process.


Hans India
21-05-2025
- Hans India
4 held for planning to sell fake tiger skin
Hyderabad:The Hyderabad Commissioner's Task Force West Zone team nabbed four persons involved in selling fake tiger skin for Rs 50 lakh at Salarjung Colony, Langar Houz. The arrested persons were M Vijay Kishore (39), a driver from Bellampally, Chinta Shankar (63), a labourer from Subash Nagar, Jaipur, Mirza Willayath Ali Baig Shakir (43), a driver from BS Makta, and K Bachi Reddy (62), a marble worker from ECIL, residing in the colony at Tolichowki. According to the police, the gang had planned to sell fake tiger skin to people, claiming it to be original for a whopping Rs 50 lakh or even more. 'They were aware that many people would be interested in keeping the skin at their homes as decorative pieces. They planned to earn huge money easily by selling fake tiger skin,' said a senior police officer. Officials seized one fake tiger skin, a car, and four mobile phones, all worth Rs 3.5 lakh. Vijay and Shankar brought fake tiger skin to the city and with help of Wilayat and Bachi Reddy, were searching for customers. They unskinned a dead dog and painted it to resemble the coat of a tiger. On credible information, the TF team caught them and seized the fake skin.


New Indian Express
13-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
GHMC to restore distressed RK Puram RoB
HYDERABAD: The Road Over Bridge (RoB) at RK Puram near Rama Kistapuram Railway Station in Secunderabad, which has been in a state of disrepair, will soon undergo restoration by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) at an estimated cost of Rs 4.6 crore. The bridge is a key connector between Sainikpuri, AS Rao Nagar, ECIL and other areas. The restoration is expected to be completed within a year. Though the GHMC council and standing committee approved the proposal last year, the RoB had remained neglected due to lack of maintenance. Frequent complaints from commuters about damaged expansion joints and severe vibrations during heavy vehicular movement prompted the civic body to act. GHMC officials said repairs and retrofitting will be carried out as per recommendations by a consultant appointed in 2022. Based on a detailed investigation involving non-destructive tests — such as ultrasonic pulse velocity, rebound hammer, carbonation and half-cell potential — the RoB was found to be in a distressed condition.