Most nuclear reactors in coastal states, government plans marine force

MUMBAI: The home ministry is considering setting up a marine police force to augment safety of the 7,500km coastline in the country .

This was one of the suggestions made by Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis during a meeting chaired by home minister Rajnath Singh in the city to review coastal security , which has been a concern since the 2611 terror attacks and also because most of the nuclear reactors are close to the sea.

A training institute for the force will be set up in Gujarat. Ten new coastal police stations have been notified to tackle crime along the coasts. Earlier, there was only one yellow gate police station in the city designated to deal with coastal security issues. The notification which designates these new polices stations to investigate matters pertaining to coastal security was published this week, said home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi.

It was also suggested that all major port sites be brought under e-surveillance to monitor the activity at those spots. Singh said an additonal 38 static radars that will be operated by the coast guards will be installed.Around 45 such radars have already been set up. Another issue discussed was to increase the efficiency of checking I-cards allotted to over 65 lakh fishermen by introducing biometrics.