It�s ringing security bells at Panchratna

SOMEONE rightly said, �Necessity is the mother of invention�. The highly sensitive Panchratna building which houses approximately 20000 diamond traders, 650 offices and witnesses a frequency of around 10000 visitors a day calling for a tight security otherwise is being put under security now: All thanks to the July 11 serial bomb blasts. Sophisticated turnstiles, high-end metal detectors, close circuit cameras and hi-tech swipe cards. The security system at Panchratna is actually going hi-tech!
Briefing on how the security system will be hemmed up, Yogesh Singh, MD Singh Group of companies, the agency which provides security to Panchratna building says, �Highly sensitive Turnstiles will be installed at the entrance. Once the person crosses it he is supposed to go through door framed metal detectors which will provide the data base as to when a person entered and when he or she left. This proposal was put before the Panchratna Society a week back and once it is approved, it won�t take more than 15 days to set everything in place.�

But question is why is the security issue taken care of only now?
Naresh Mehta, secretary, Panchratna Society answers, �Since the �93 blasts we are trying our best to tighten up the security and we have also achieved it to quite an extent. But we face a number of problems while executing the security plans. At times the society members do not give their consent, sometimes the diamond refuse to cooperate with us. Most importantly we�ve filed an application with the DCP asking for the arms for our security but we have not got any response so far.� On the contrary Deputy Commissioner of police, zone11, Pratap Dighvakar opines, �Considering the sensitivity of Panchratna building I have taken the initiative to organize two meeting with Panchratna society members but they have not sent in a formal performa application asking for the arms for their security. We never refuse anybody for arms provided they follow the government procedure of formalities.�

Dighavakar said he is in touch with the civic authorities to clear the famous khau galli which makes it impossible to spot suspicious looking people and makes the job of those trying mischief easier. Well not just this, even the dabba walas will have to switch to plastic containers to deliver lunch to their clients in the building. The plastic dabbas are being introduced so that the new high-end metal detector does not beep each time a dabbawallah passes through. Security has been tightened, proposals are being passed, talks with government on, lets keep fingers crossed.