The 973-km coastline in Andhra Pradesh will soon have better mechanism to ensure coastal security.
The Central government has come forward to give special assistance to aid the infrastructure in the State so that the coastal security is better ensured, according to Principal Secretary, Home Department, A.R. Anuradha.
Speaking to The Hindu on the problems and prospects related to coastal security at the Secretariat here, Ms. Anuradha said, “We will have sufficient boats now as the Centre has agreed to send some. The fuel cost will also be borne by the Centre.”
As of now, the State has over 20 boats, which are meant for security and surveillance. It is given to understand that the State government is firming up coastal security by hiring more resources and building infrastructure such as access jettys for the boats.
For the record, police alerts had been sounded along the coastline on the entry of SIMI terrorist groups into the State through coastal locations, including one in Nellore, a couple of years ago. This apart, the police are also concerned about illegal trade and trafficking.
Coastal Security Scheme
Post the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, the Centre has come up with a comprehensive Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) to firm up security infrastructure along the coastline of the country.
Under the scheme, 183 Coastal Police Stations (CPS) have been operationalised and the security is periodically reviewed by the National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS). These police stations will also be in constant touch with the Coast Guard.
Marine police stations
As per the details available, A.P. has six such marine police stations in Dugarajapatnam, Suryalanka, Rushikonda, Vakalapudi, Kalingapatnam, and Gilakaladindi in Nellore, Guntur, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, Srikakulam, and Krishna districts. The State government is now planning to increase the number of marine police stations and recruit more personnel. So far, lack of personnel, high-end boats, and sufficient finances are among the hurdles for the marine police stations, which go for regular patrolling in about five nautical miles from the coast. There was also a proposal to appoint special officers in over 500 seabed villages on the coast.
“The police will be in a better position now in handling coastal security,” summed up Ms. Anuradha.
