Page 38 - CIJ Jan 2025 - Digital edition

FM SECURITY

ENHANCING SECURITY WITH

MODERN SOLUTIONS

Security has long been an integral part of building design, and as threats

evolve, so too must the approaches to safeguarding property and
personnel. The recent conversation during the Clean India Show 2024
featuring Lt Cdr (Dr) Husein Sakerwala, Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd and
Retd Brig. Neil John, ADANI sheds light on the evolving landscape of
security practices in corporate settings. The discussions focus on the
critical role of technology, manpower, and strategic planning in creating
secure environments, especially in large corporate setups.

t Cdr (Dr) Husein Sakerwala, Asst. enemy from reaching the ship,” he says, highlighting
VP-Head of Security, Adani Electricity the importance of multiple layers of defence in both
Mumbai Ltd, emphasizes that security military and corporate settings.
should be embedded from the very
Lbeginning of the building’s design process. John also points out the systemic ignorance
“Security is integral to the building design – planning surrounding security in industries. Many companies
stage – not done after the building is up and running,” fail to evaluate potential threats comprehensively
he notes. This proactive approach is aligned with the before implementing security measures. “In reality,
principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental we are given a building with no security, and we just
Design (CPTED), a concept that originated in the put up cameras without thinking about internal and
United States. CPTED advocates for designing spaces external threats,” he states. This lack of foresight can
in such a way that they naturally deter criminal activity. be detrimental, especially when buildings are located
For instance, at Adani’s electricity receiving stations in politically volatile areas or places with a higher
across Mumbai, the security system was revamped to probability of crime.
ensure better visibility and lower costs. While earlier John stresses that effective security requires both
designs used solid brick walls and cameras, newer technological support and human involvement. “A man
renovations implemented chain-link fences. This
allowed for clear visibility while still maintaining standing guard + tech – that’s the best combination,” he
security, offering a cost-effective solution without says. Cameras alone cannot provide complete security;
compromising on the protective elements. human presence and monitoring are necessary to ensure
visibility and respond to potential threats in real time.
Bridging Military Strategy with

Corporate Security The Business Impact of Security
Retd Brig. Neil John, Chief of Security at ADANI A key takeaway from the discussion is that security
(Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt. Ltd), brings a should no longer be viewed solely as a cost centre but
military perspective to corporate security. Drawing rather as a business enabler. Dr Sakerwala reflects on
parallels with naval strategy, he compares the security the common perception that security measures, such as
of a corporate site to a “Carrier Battle Group” in the cameras and control systems, are expensive and yield
sea, where a ship is surrounded by multiple layers uncertain returns. “How many people think security is
of defence to protect it from external threats. “In the a cost centre, having to pump in money into cameras,
Navy, we form tiered layers of security to prevent the solutions, and controls?” he asks.

38 JANUARY 2025•Clean India Journal•www.cleanindiajournal.com