Against the backdrop of a high-level committee constituted by the Central Government indicating a green light to the Aerocity project subject to some security riders, the Delhi Police has demanded a dedicated space for it on the complex.
According to the police officials, a dedicated office or a police station will significantly help them track the visitors' movements in the area. However, the high-level committee comprising members from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Delhi Police, Intelligence Bureau (IB), RAW, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is in the process of assessing the exact threat perception to the IGI Airport from the district.
Even as agencies struggle to arrive at a conclusion regarding security concerns, developers of the Aerocity have expedited their work to complete the nine ongoing hotels’ project. They expected an early clearance from the high-level panel.
The main objection raised by the Delhi Police in 2011 was that the complex falls in close proximity (200 m) to the main runway. This, according to the officials, puts the runway directly in the sight from the hospitality district and could result in threats. Security agencies have expressed fears that the seven-storey and 30-35-metre high hotel buildings are too close to the main runway and Aviation Research Centre (RAW's aviation wing). They fear rooftops and runway-facing rooms could be used to target aircrafts. Also, the Air force base is located just opposite to the upcoming complex. Police and security agencies rue that with the upcoming complex the site at the sensitive airport premises will attract a significant increase in the footfall of visitors. Due to this, the threat to the already sensitive airport is even more. "Four of the upcoming hotels fall directly in line of the main runway and thus, pose major threat to the airport. According to them, Delhi Airport is on the terror radar as it is located in the National Capital," said a Delhi Airport official.
located nearby, the VVIP movements, including those of the Indian Prime Minister, President and other Cabinet members, take place from the Palam Technical Area. So, any security lapse can result in a major tragedy.