The centre’s ambitious coastal security plan is way off the mark even a year after the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.
The coastline’s complex nature, with many agencies being responsible for security along the coast and in the waters, has resulted in inordinate delays in the implementation of the coastal security plan that was drawn by the government after last November’s terrorist carnage.
By the home ministry’s own admission, the manufacture and procurement of highspeed
boats have not gone as per plans. The Goa Shipyard Limited and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, both public sector units, have not been able to supply 208 boats for coastal security and patrolling on schedule. They were to supply 24 boats by June 30, but could fulfil the commitment only in August 2009.
The PSUs are unlikely to ensure timely delivery of the next consignment too. They had to supply 60 boats from July 2009 to February 2010, but they have supplied only 14 boats in September and four in October. The home ministry has conveyed its concern to the shipyards.
Ministry sources said that 20 boats are likely to be delivered in November. Of the 20, Maharashtra will get six; Gujarat three; Daman and Diu, Orissa and West Bengal two each; and Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh one each.
Another problem that had arisen was the states’ reluctance to bear the heavy operational and maintenance cost of the boats.
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