Maharashtra: State Home Dept plans massive security measures for coastal area

In Maharashtra, after the attacks of 26/11, the State Home Department has planned massive security measures for its coastal area. It includes remedial plans for the coastal security of the State. According to the State Home Department, among the States on the west coast of the country, Maharashtra has the highest number of police patrol boats. It said, at present, 30 police boats are operational in the State and regularly patrol the coast along the State. 

It informed that 25 trawlers have been hired by the State, and all these trawlers are used for patrolling the sea coast by all the seven marine police units. Also, the process of acquiring 28 new boats in three phases is underway by the State government. Maharashtra Home Department said 10 new boats will be purchased in the first phase.

It stated that to monitor the patrolling of all the patrol boats, the State has sanctioned 53 lakh rupees for setting up control rooms in all seven coastal units. It said that the State government has sanctioned a fund of 51 crore rupees for leasing five Intermediate Support Vessels (ISV) for the next five years. 

These are large boats and have the ability to go deep into the ocean. They can also withstand adverse weather conditions. It also informed that the  Maharashtra government has recently sanctioned the permanent recruitment of 81 Masters and Engine Divers and 158 Sailors to meet the requirement of technical manpower.