Gujarat urges Centre to beef up coastal security

With huge investments lined up along the Gujarat coast and unavailability of proper security systems at most small ports, the Gujarat government has prepared a master plan to beef up coastal security. It has raised an alarm and wrote a letter to the Centre.

"It has been observed that areas between Jhakhau and Chhad belt in Kutch are not being covered effectively by any security patrolling. Neither the Coast Guard nor the Water Wing of the Border Security Force (BSF) is able to patrol as shallow water does not allow existing boats to operate. During low tide, certain land mass comes up and it becomes difficult to approach the areas, which may be used by terrorists and infiltrators for dumping contraband items," says the letter written by the home department of Gujarat government to the Union ministry of home affairs.

The letter also stressed the need to provide appropriate equipment and beefing up security at small islands and ports.

As a result of some aggressive marketing by the state government of its 1,647-km coastline, sizable investments have been lined up along the Gujarat coast.

"At a time when the investment is pouring in, we cannot afford to overlook the security aspect, which is very crucial for a conducive investment climate," said a senior official in the industries department.

"The security systems available with ports are inadequate and in absence of specialised equipment, unwanted materials may be easily smuggled in. Small harbours do not have basic facilities for security check and number of fishing boats are engaged in the coast round the year," says the letter.

The state government has already earmarked investments to the tune of Rs 392 crore for setting up 51 coastal police stations. "We are also in the process of upgrading 39 police stations along the coastline," the official said.