Chidambaram to review security situation in Maharashtra, Kerala

NEW DELHI: With the country's long coastline increasingly becoming vulnerable to terror attacks, Home Minister P Chidambaram will visit Maharashtra and Kerala on Monday to review the security situation in the two coastal states.

During his visit to Kerala, Chidambaram will inaugurate a Coastal Police Station at Neendakara near Kollam.

He will also hold discussions with the Kerala Home Minister and other senior state government officials on security related issues as the southern state has a vulnerable coastline.

Chidambaram will then visit Mumbai where he will hold similar discussions with the Maharashtra Chief Minister and senior state government officials.

The Union Home Ministry provides assistance to nine coastal states and four union territories under the Coastal Security Scheme launched in 2005. The assistance is given for setting up of 73 coastal police stations, 97 check posts, 58 out posts and 30 barracks.

As many as 55 coastal police stations are already operational.

In the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks, the Centre decided to set up a Coastal Command to guard the country's 7,500 km coastline dotted with 12 major and 180 minor ports.