The Union Home Ministry has “sufficiently” strengthened the coastal security schemes in nine coastal states, including Karnataka, post-Mumbai terror strikes.
The terrorists had come through the Arabian Sea on November 26, 2008, to strike the country’s commercial capital.
The schemes aim at providing assistance to nine coastal states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal to strengthen their infrastructure for marine policing. Four coastal Union Territories of Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep, Puducherry and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are also included in the stepped up security plan.
The Home ministry said the scheme provides for setting up 73 coastal police stations, 97 checkposts, 58 outposts and 30 operational barracks.
After the Mumbai terror attacks, 71 coastal police stations have been operationlised and construction of 75 checkposts, 54 outposts and 22 barracks completed. Altogether, 158 boats were delivered to coastal states/UTs. The information was revealed during the consultative committee meeting of the ministry which was presided by Union Home minister P Chidambaram. Chidambaram said Kalpakkam and other key installations on the country’s coast were well-protected and there need not be any apprehension in this regard.
Responding to another query, he said there was no proposal to entrust coastal security to the Border Security Force or raise another Central force for the purpose. He said significant progress had been made since the 26/11 in Mumbai to strengthen coastal security.
The minister also said the identified gaps would be addressed through phase II of the Coastal Security Scheme which is to be launched next year.