Panaji (Goa): The Goa police are on a serious mission to modernise its marine defence considering new age security challenges and repeated intelligence warnings of terror attack via sea route.
Making best use of the Central Coastal Security Scheme, the Goa Marine Police will shortly have four 12-ton boats, four rigid-inflatable boats (RIB) and up-gradation of infrastructure like jetties. The Centre had recently accepted the proposal to strengthen the marine security force with the latest gadgets/equipments and another proposal to increase the manpower and improve the existing infrastructure.
“We will soon have four vessels of 12 tons each, which will add to the existing fleet of nine vessels and another four RIBs to add to three already in operation,” DIG Vimal Gupta said. The government has also taken care of patrolling on land as it is set to procure 12 vehicles.
The Central-funded scheme, launched in 2005, has also approved up-gradation of the existing jetties to dock the huge patrolling vessels. Out of seven police stations located at Terekhol, Siolim, Chapora, Panaji, Harbour, Betul and Talpona; Gupta revealed that Chapora and Talpona police stations will shift to new premises. “The land acquisition is already complete and the construction work has also begun. We have sent the estimates to the government. Two other police stations will undergo renovation,” he revealed.
In order to further ensure water-tight security along the coastline, the department has also proposed the government for All Weather Vehicles, All Terrain Vehicles and Hovercrafts.
“We are making all efforts to strengthen our force. We not only need to check the terror-related activities in sea but also prevent and clamp down on other illegal activities,” the IPS officer said.
The country’s coasts have always been vulnerable to anti-national activities and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack is still fresh in the minds of the people. Since Goa is also vulnerable to terror threats, and with lakhs of national and international tourists pouring in every year, the State government has resolved to strengthen the marine policing. Besides the scheme, the Central government has initiated several measures to strengthen Coastal Security, which includes improving surveillance mechanism and enhanced patrolling by following an integrated approach. Joint operational exercises are conducted on regular basis among Navy, Coast Guard, Coastal Police, Customs and others for security of coastal areas including island territories.
Over 47 crucial installations including the ports in Goa have always been safeguarded though additional police force.
Team TNV
