TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: All marine police stations and jetties, which are being developed in the second phase of Comprehensive Coastal Security Scheme, will in all probability be commissioned by the year-end. These will be in addition to the existing three police stations/jetties at Siolim, Mormugao Harbour and Betul, which were developed in the first phase.
The four police stations at Chapora, Talpona, Ribandar and Tiracol and two new jetties at Ribandar and River Zuari (Agassaim) were sanctioned earlier this year, in a bid to strengthen the infrastructure for coastline patrolling and surveillance. Chapora coastal police station (CPS) was inaugurated two days ago, while Talpona CPS will be opened on August 13.
Sources said the present Ribandar police outpost is being converted into CPS and the ferry jetty, which is at a distance of hardly 50 meters from the outpost, will be used by the marine police.
“Ribandar CPS should be ready by August-end as major up gradation work has been completed. The ongoing developmental work at Ribandar jetty is also expected to meet the deadline. Similarly, Tiracol CPS will be commissioned by December,” said a senior police officer.
The up-gradation of infrastructure, logistics and manpower has also been taken care of. Nine 12-toner and five-toner interceptor boats which were supplied in the first phase are already functioning, while four patrol boats of 12 tons each for the four new marine police stations, will be inducted shortly.
If the CPSs and jetties are commissioned as scheduled, the government will be well ahead of meeting the 2015 deadline.
Police sources said the process of recruiting 129 technical staff to operate the high speed boats is underway. The non availability of suitable technical staff including boat masters, mechanical engineers, mechanics, sarong or boat operators and helpers to man the boats remains a grey area for now.
The entire gamut of coastal security was given due importance after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack by increasing security along the entire Indian coast. It had sanctioned 180 staff for three coastal police stations in the first phase. The staff strength for the four police stations has not been known as yet, though top officials denied shortage of manpower.
All the marine police stations are headed by SP Allan D’Sa, who is also ADC to Governor.
