Maha seeks federal coastal watchdog for fishing vessels

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Mumbai: Maharashtra government on Tuesday pitched for a Central Act under which all fishing vessels, dhows, yachts and pleasure craft and all seagoing craft are required to be registered under Central Coastal Security Authority. Besides, the state government said the police and one single Central agency should be made responsible of all security on-shore and offshore coastal security, respectively. It also stressed on increasing the strength of RPF and better security apparatus on railway stations to secure the railway travel.

Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan, in his address at the chief ministers’ conference in New Delhi, said the issue of identity cards to all persons using seagoing crafts/vessels would also be undertaken by the Central Coastal Security Authority. The IDs and registration certificates would be readable by a common reader. This system would necessarily have to be common throughout the coastal states. The technology for achieving this already exists and is required to be properly harnessed.

Similarly, installation of transponders should be made mandatory for all seagoing craft to monitor their movement. This will identify any suspicious movement and will be dealt with. A continuous radar chain along the coast needs to be established to provide surveillance along the coast. These measures taken in a time bound manner would greatly help to enhance coastal security.

Chavan informed that the state government has already decided to set up NSG type strike force called Force One, which requires Rs 14 crore for advanced weapons and equipment. Moreover, strengthening the capability of intelligence wing and the anti-terrorist squad (ATS), an assistance of Rs 24 crore will be required for procuring modern equipment and gadgets.

Chavan informed that the state government proposes to set up a State Industrial Security Force on the lines of the Central Industrial Security Force. This force will be trained and equipped to provide security on a full payment basis to both public and private institutions and thus ease pressure on the police force to some extent.