By NNN-Bernama,
New Delhi : The Indian Government has asked the Government of the western state of Maharashtra and other state governments having nuclear installations to tighten security around such facilities to foil any possible terror attack, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the Indian Home Ministry directed the state governments, particularly Maharashtra, to beef up security around the atomic facilities as the terrorists may target them.
“Security around the sensitive installations have been upgraded besides putting up adequate forces,” a Home Ministry official said.
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), located in Mumbai has been put on highest alert.
The Indian Navy, Coast Guard and all other security agencies have been directed to take precautionary measures to protect such installations as majority of them located on the sea coast.
“The step is precautionary in nature. The states have been asked to increase the vigil and patrolling to thwart any sabotage attempt aimed at these vital facilities,” a Home Ministry official said.
Thee Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) had conducted a security audit about a month ago and suggested a number of additional measures, which are being taken care of, the official said.
The government had already placed anti-aircraft guns in some of the atomic facilities, including BARC.
There are six major nuclear energy plants operational in the country, namely Narora in Uttar Pradesh, Kaiga in Karnataka, Tarapur in Maharashtra, Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, Kakrapar in Gujarat and Kota in Rajasthan, besides several other research and development centres including BARC.