12 more marine police stations for Gujarat shores

Come August and the 1,600-km-long seashore of Gujarat will be strengthened with additional 31 police boats, 1,000 trained police officers and 12 marine police stations. The Centre, in its endeavour to fortify coastal areas of the nation, has allocated more funds for Gujarat seashore, leading to an increase in number of marine police stations from 10 to 22.

The new marine police stations will be situated close to the coast, the locations of which have been finalised by Gujarat government. However, the state is currently in talks with central security agencies like Coast Guard and Indian Navy to provide specialised training to new staff to be recruited at these stations.

“900 constabulary and 100 police officers will be recruited in these new police stations,” said a source in home department of state government, adding that new officers, who are receiving training at police academies, will be recruited for marine security of the state. The Centre will also allot 31 patrolling boats to Gujarat police to enhance bandobast at the shores. “Tender for these boats had already been issued, and will be opened on February 15, 2012,” said sources. Gujarat may get the boats in next six months. There are 10 police stations and 30 boats functioning in coastal Gujarat. In 6 months, these are expected to grow to 22 and 31 respectively. Gujarat is the first state to complete this phase of coastal security and gear up for the second, said sources.