Pak spy makes Mahashtra wake up to dam security

The state government has decided to beef up security at major dams in the state following the recovery of maps of the Koyna dam from suspected Pakistani spy Abdul Gafoor Mozawala.

It will soon request Google Earth to withdraw the map of dams in Maharashtra from its site besides providing training in sophisticated arms to security personnel guarding the water bodies.

Intelligence agencies have been raising the fear of chemical attacks on dams supplying drinking water to the state. The map found with Mozawala — he was arrested last week — has strengthened the fear.

The home department took stock of the situation at a high-level meeting headed by home minister RR Patil on Wednesday. The meeting decided to deploy central forces with modern arms at the dams, particularly the Koyna dam in Satara district.

The department will soon request the Centre to spare a unit of the central industrial security force (CISF) to protect the dam.

The decision to urge Google Earth to withdraw the maps was taken after officials brought to the notice of the minister that the maps found with the alleged spy were downloaded from the site.

Director general of police D Sivanandan has been asked to co-ordinate with the website’s administration.

To strengthen the security cell of the water resources department, it has been directed to buy new boats and beef up patrolling in the dam area.

This dam is the largest source of hydro power generation in the state.

“Security personnel from the water resources department will also be trained. The meeting has decided to install spotlights near the dam,” said Vikramsinh Patankar, MLA from Satara, who was part of the meeting.

The home department has agreed to give licenses to security personnel on completion of training.

Patil also has directed the home department to conduct regular security audits of the dams across the state.