(a) whether the terrorists are using sea route to smuggle men and ammunitions especially using cargo containers;
(b) if so, the action being taken to contain such activities;
(c) whether all the major ports and minor ports do not have X-Ray or Gamma Ray scanners of the size that can scan the entire cargo containers; and
(d) if so, the reasons therefor and the action taken in this regard?
MINISTER OF SHIPPING (SHRI G.K. VASAN)
(a): No, madam.
(b): Does not arise.
(c): All major ports and minor ports do not have container scanners. Presently one fixed
X-Ray scanner and one mobile Gama Ray scanner are in operation at Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Nhava
Sheva.
(d): Installation of Container scanners is decided on the basis of the volume of traffic,
cargo profile and the nature of assessed risk. Approval has been accorded by Department of
Revenue (Customs) for installation of one fixed X-Ray scanner each at the ports of Mumbai,
Chennai, Tuticorin and Kandla. Approval has also been accorded by Department of Revenue
(Customs) for installation of one mobile Gama-Ray scanner at each of the Ports of Chennai,
Tuticorin and Kandla.