New Delhi, Dec 13 (IANS) With a view to enhance vigilance by strengthening the infrastructure for patrolling and surveillance, representatives of nine coastal states and four union territories Thursday took stock of the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) implemented two years back.
Intelligence agencies had earlier cautioned of terror groups planning to use uninhabited islands in the Indian Ocean as bases for strikes against vital installations along the Indian coastline.
The review meeting held under the chairmanship of home secretary, Madhukar Gupta, assessed work on this front, including the status of coastal police stations and if they were properly equipped with vessels fitted with modern equipment.
“Sanctioning of recruitment of required police and technical personnel and the impact of operationalising the scheme in terms of checking of illegal activities was also discussed,” said a home ministry official.
The approved five-year outlay for the CSS is Rs.4 billion for non-recurring expenditure and Rs.1.5 billion for recurring expenditure.
Under the scheme, 73 police stations, 97 checkposts, 58 out-posts and 30 operational barracks have been approved.
Police stations will be provided with 204 vessels fitted with modern navigational and maritime equipment. Besides, 153 jeeps and 312 motorcycles have also been sanctioned.