Airport to get electric fence: Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport, India

AHMEDABAD: An incident on Tuesday, where monkeys were seen scampering across the runway just when an Indigo flight was about to land, has prompted the decision to install electric fence. From Tuesday, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will put out official offers for companies to install solar-powered electric fences around the Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport.

Another major worry that has incited this move is the hordes of visitors who sit along the boundary wall to view airplanes landing and taking off from the runway. This could be a future security risk, say AAI officials.

"But the electric fence will mainly ward off disruptive animals, like monkeys and langurs. The system is cost-effective and good in the long term. The fence will be installed by September end," says an AAI official.

When an animal or human being comes into contact with an electric fence, they receive a sharp, short, painful but safe electric shock. The shock, according to AAI officials, does not cause any physical damage. The fence acts as a strong psychological barrier as any intruder avoids trespassing after experiencing the shock.

"There will be warning boards all along the fence so humans are aware of the fence being electrified. After a period of conditioning, the mere presence of the fence acts as an effective barrier, even if it is not powered," says the AAI official. A special alarm system will also be installed, which will detect faults like shorting or cutting of the wire due to tampering.

Source:  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com