With security uppermost in the minds of people, Vasant Mehta, chairman of the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), has stated that the Council plans to meet the Home Minister of Maharashtra next week, seeking greater security safeguards for the Panchratna building, the diamond hub of Mumbai. In an exclusive interview to this correspondent, Mehta stated that, “we have installed speakers on every floor which will be used in any emergency. We have also put in place fire and security alarms which will alert the entire building in times of need.” Mehta admitted that Panchratna required armed security guards and stressed that this issue would also be raised in the meeting with the Home Minister. Equally important is the removal of the hawkers in the ‘khao gully’ around the building which is a potential security risk.

Most importantly, the diamond industry needs to shift to the new diamond bourse at the Bandra-Kurla complex in Mumbai which, Mehta disclosed, “would happen only in the next six or twelve months.” With the diamond business in one bourse, the security of the business could be greatly enhanced. In view of the prevailing security environment, the Council is determined to hammer out solutions with the Home Minister to ensure the safety of the diamond hub.