In order to strengthen coastal security in Kerala, the Centre has approved over Rs 40 crore to set up coastal police stations.
NEW DELHI: In order to strengthen coastal security in Kerala, the Centre has approved over Rs 40 crore to set up coastal police stations and for purchase of modern vessels and vehicles.
According to a home ministry data, an amount of Rs 1.97 crore has been approved for establishing eight coastal police stations in the southern state.
The state will be getting 24 vessels -- Sixteen 12-ton and eight 5-ton -- at a total cost of Rs 40 crore, it said.
The state will also be purchasing 16 jeeps and 24 motor cycles for closer surveillance at a total outlay of Rs 0.78 crore, it added.
"We have already approved a lump-sum amount of Rs 80 lakh for eight police stations at ten lakh per station," a senior ministry official said.
Stating that the home ministry is continuously devising ways to strengthen coastal security, especially after the Mumbai attacks, the official said, "Government is also considering proposals submitted by the state government to augment coastal strength."
The Centre has formulated comprehensive security schemes for nine coastal states, including Kerala, and four union territories.
The Government has also stepped up vigil along 7,516-km long coastline which has 12 major and 180 minor ports.
It has in March this year signed a contract with two firms to provide 194 interceptor boats of which 24 were for Kerala, he said.
The Home Ministry has recently sanctioned 73 police stations for coastal states and UTs of which 55 have been made operational. Sanction has also been given for 97 check posts, 58 outposts and 30 barracks.
"These coastal police stations are being equipped with 204 interceptor boats, 153 jeeps and 312 motorcycles. Boats have been procured for carrying out patrolling and operations," official said.
The Central scheme envisages setting up of 10 police stations in Gujarat, six in Andhra Pradesh, four in West Bengal, three in Goa, 12 in Maharashtra and five in Karnataka among other coastal states.
The ministry has also asked the senior officials from the coastal states to be ready with adequate and trained manpower for effective use of 204 interceptor boats, when delivered.
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