PIL seeks proper security systems

KOCHI: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed before Kerala High court on Thursday seeking a direction to the Cochin Port Trust and the Commissioner of Customs to provide proper security systems, including scanning machines at the Port and ICTT.T X Harry of Thoppumpady submitted that the security system should be effective against export and import of contraband articles. Currently, the entire security of the port and the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) is controlled by CISF as per the security plan issued for Indian ports. No proper security measures have been implemented by the Cochin Port Trust or India Gateway Terminal (IGT) to check the cargo, vehicles and containers.As per the container shipment procedure, containers should be filled with export cargo only in the presence of customs at the warehouse of the exporter or at a customs notified area. After verification, if the customs seal is intact, the customs officer will permit loading of the containers on board the vessel. Ever since Vallarpadam ICTT was commissioned, there has been no check on containers inside the terminal as DP world is restraining the officials under the wrap of SEZ.The petitioner alleged that as of now there is no scientific checking. The customs could not implement Electronic system inside the terminal due to the adamant stand taken by the IGT. This situation will badly affect the safety and security of the country. Recently three containers exported to Dubai were called back by customs. The petitioner argued that under the name of SEZ, the IGT cannot keep away customs, DRI officials and government security officials from the terminal.He also sought a directive to the state to implement scanning of domestic trucks and container lorries at check posts to stop illegal trafficking of contraband articles.