Articles by Mohammed Imteshal Karim

World

Delhi blast aftermath: Bhubaneswar airport put on three-day alert, hotels across Odisha tighten security

"In the wake of the Delhi car explosion on Monday evening that claimed multiple lives, security has been heightened across Odisha, with the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar and leading hotels across the state stepping up surveillance and screening.Advertisment Accordingly, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a nationwide high alert for all airports for three days, prompting state authorities to enforce stricter security checks and monitoring, informed authorities at the BPIA. Complete Bag Screening In Place Sources reported an increase in security presence at Bhubaneswar airport with Quick Response Teams (QRTs), bomb disposal squads, and dog squads patrolling both the arrival and departure zones. Airport Director Prasanna Kumar Pradhan said that the DGCA has directed intensified vigilance at all entry and exit points.Advertisment “After the unfortunate incident in Delhi, the DGCA has issued a high alert for all airports for three days. Our Special Airport Security team is holding an emergency meeting today to strengthen existing protocols. One of the measures we"ve adopted is 100% screening of all bags and luggage, both during check-in and pre-boarding, for the next three days,” Pradhan told OTV. Authorities have also increased CCTV surveillance coverage and deployed additional staff at sensitive checkpoints. Security personnel have been instructed to remain on high alert and coordinate closely with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and local police to handle any emergencies. Additional Checkpoints, Round-The-Clock Patrols Reports stated that following the DGCA alert, check posts near the airport"s outer perimeter have been strengthened. Routine frisking and document checks for vehicles entering the terminal area are now mandatory. Sources in the airport security unit said teams are conducting continuous patrolling throughout the day and night to ensure no suspicious activity goes unnoticed. However, the Bhubaneswar airport director added that no flights have been delayed or disrupted due to the enhanced measures, and passenger cooperation has been “satisfactory.” ALSO READ: Delhi Blast LIVE Updates: Conspirators behind this will not be spared, says PM Modi Hotel Industry Issues Alert Circular To Members Meanwhile, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) has circulated an advisory urging all hotels and hospitality establishments in the state to tighten their internal security systems. The association"s statement warned that “anti-socials may target key tourist destinations or vital installations such as Hirakud Dam and other prominent locations. Hotels could be among the first points of entry for such individuals.” The circular further directed hotel owners to intensify guest screening and ID verification, maintain proper registers of visitors, and ensure that security personnel remain alert yet courteous while frisking guests. In case of any suspicious movement or identity discrepancies, hotel authorities have been advised to immediately inform local police stations. ALSO READ: Red Fort blast: Slow-moving vehicle stopped at red light, then exploded Statewide Alert And Inter-Departmental Coordination Senior officials from the Odisha Home Department confirmed that district administrations have been asked to stay vigilant, particularly in Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Sambalpur, where major tourist and infrastructure sites are located. The Odisha Police Headquarters in Cuttack has also issued instructions to strengthen security at railway stations, bus terminals, and religious sites, ensuring coordination between intelligence and local law enforcement units. Airport sources said security arrangements will remain at elevated levels until further review by the central authorities. The enhanced checks are expected to continue for at least three days, subject to further orders from the DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation."