Patna, March 24: Sniffer dogs would guard the airports across the country soon. Those operating round-the-clock would have six dogs at their disposal. Four would be deployed at the aerodromes like Patna, which operate in two shifts. Two dogs would be stationed at those functioning in one shift.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) took the decision to set up the dog squads following a directive from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security in this regard. “The Patna airport would have its sniffer dog squad in a year,” AAI regional executive director (eastern region) Gautam Mukherjee said, inaugurating the new building of the AAI in Phulwari area.

Built at a cost of around Rs 2 crore, it would house 84 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel. Patna airport director Arvind Dubey, who was also present on the occasion, said: “The kennel for sniffer dogs would be set up in the new building.”

Stating that the security of airports was one of the top priorities of AAI, Mukherjee said: “The work for installing closed circuit TV (CCTV) cameras at Patna airport is in advanced stage. It would be functional within three months.”

Total of 42 CCTV cameras would be fitted at strategic points of the airport. Replying to a query about the steps being taken to increase the number of CISF personnel at the Patna airport, the regional executive director said: “Such decisions are taken after the joint survey of the AAI security, CISF and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. AAI cannot take any decision unilaterally.”

Mukherjee said the AAI had not taken any final decision on setting up a new airport at Nalanda, the place where the state government was willing to provide land to AAI. Yet, he maintained Bihta was a better option as it was nearer to Patna.