Seeking one battalion of India Reserve (IR) force to ensure security along the Odisha's 480 km long coast, the state government today asked the Centre to provide adequate boats and funds to strengthen the coastal security here.
The Odisha government made this demand during a teleconference between Union Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth and Chief Secretary Gokul Chandra Pati here. Senior officials of the Home department and top police officials were present during the teleconference.
"We have requested the Central government to sanction an IR battalion to guard the long coast in Odisha. We have also requested early allocation of patrol boats for the 13 marine police stations which have been opened in the state in the second phase," Additional Director General (ADG), Law and Order Vinanyanand Jha told reporters after the meeting.
Jha also said the Centre had been requested to enhance the grant for the construction of jetties. "Rs 50 lakh has been sanctioned for every jetty whereas the construction of an average jetty involves an expenditure of Rs 3-4 crores. That is why we have asked for a hike in the sanction," he said.
Though the state has a vast coastline, it has only 18 marine police stations of which 13 are run in rented houses. Most of the marine police stations do not have adequate manpower or equipment at the place, sources said adding that lack of adequate funds is the main hurdle before fullproofing the security in the coast.
Meanwhile, the state government has provided biometric identification cards to fishermen and sensitised on the possible terrorist influx through sea route.
