India increases security at ports

Mumbai: A marginal delay in cargo movement may result from the enhanced level of security at sea ports across the country. All export and import cargoes are being subject to thorough screening at the ports.


The Director-General of Shipping had directed port authorities to enhance security of ships and port facilities to level 2 under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code with effect from November 30.


Port officials do not know the exact reason behind the heightened security because, even after the Mumbai blasts in July, security enhancement was ordered for only two ports in the country - Mumbai and JN Port, whereas the current order covers all ports.


The decision, officials believe, follows reports from the intelligence authorities of the possibility of arms being smuggled into the country through ports by terrorist groups.


The ISPS code is a comprehensive set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities, which were developed in response to the perceived threats to ships and port facility in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the US.