As per the list, 18 landing points fall in Palghar district, six in Thane, eight in the island city, two in Mumbai suburbs, 20 in Raigad, 23 in Ratnagiri and 14 in Sindhudurg district.
Against the backdrop of continuous alerts, the state government has taken stock of its 720km coastline security. As per a survey by the navy, of the 525 fishing boat landing points, 91 are vulnerable. These have been declared sensitive and the state will deploy round-the-clock security there.
As per the list, 18 landing points fall in Palghar district, six in Thane, eight in the island city, two in Mumbai suburbs, 20 in Raigad, 23 in Ratnagiri and 14 in Sindhudurg district.
The government had set up a coastal security committee under state chief secretary Swadheen Kshatriya. "By taking inputs from the coastal security force, navy, customs and the marine police, the government was told that 91 boat landing points are sensitive and terrorists can use them to smuggle in explosives and weapons, and, subsequently, attack our cities," said a senior government official.
"We have asked the home department to deploy 24x7 security to keep vigil on the landing and aborting boats. Like in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, tokens will be given to fishing boats, apart from keeping register entry. However, the state has in-principle agreed to recruit security guards on a contract basis," states a government circular.
The official said a token will be given to a fishing boat while entering, which has to be submitted while coming out. "All fishing boats have to adhere to the guidelines set by the government for safety reasons. There is a constant threat... An attack can happen by sea route, so we want to strengthen the coastline," said a senior government official, who was part this decision.
However, fishermen union leader Damodar Tandel said the home department is crossing its limit by treating fishermen as terrorists. "state and central security agencies have spoiled their business. Fishing is bread and butter for us, but the government is putting so many restrictions, making it difficult to carry out our business," said Tandel, adding, "Earlier, they asked us use colour code district-wise, then they told us to put numbers on boats; now, tokens... They have also asked us to keep minimum people on a boat. This is sheer harassment."
The union has planned a meeting of all fishermen and later a protest against the government and its restrictions.
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